… Confirms No Fewer than 320 Candidates
By Michael Nnebife and Samson Chinonso
It was a jubilation and celebration galore like no other at St Paul’s Parish, Obeledu in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, on 19th May, as the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, embarked on episcopal visit to the parish.
The episcopal visit attracted scores of priests from the diocese who included the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev Fr Charles Ndubuisi; the Dean of Adazi Deanery, Rev Fr Sylvester Uchenna; Rev Sisters from far and near; the Traditional Ruler of Obeledu, Igwe A.C. Oragwam, represented by Ichie Fidelis Uchendu; the President General of the community, Engr Ken Uchendu; the Knights and Ladies of the parish; members of the Catholic Men’s Organization; their women’s counterparts with their colourful attires, among others.
The epoch-making event, which was coming after eight years the parish witnessed it last, saw the administration on no fewer than 320 candidates of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
While delivering a homily, Bishop Ezeokafor congratulated the candidates and the entire St Paul’s parishioners, noting that they were favoured for having the August Occasion, on the same day Christendom commemorated the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ.
According to the Bishop, the Pentecost Sunday Christendom celebrated, coincided with the day, the Parishes candidates received the   Sacrament of Confirmation. It is  similar to the renewal of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
The prelate pointed out that the Holy Spirit still worked as in the days of the Apostles, endowing believers with wisdom, knowledge, faith among other gifts, as contained in the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians.
He therefore, urged the Obeledu Catholics to allow the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit to manifest in their character through which they would be confirmed as witnesses for Christ.
Pointing out the ephemeral nature of earthly things, Ezeokafor admonished the Obeledu Catholics to strive harder to live life on earth with a sole aim and target of an everlasting blissful life in heaven.
Identifying love of others and forgiveness, as critical qualities expected of every Christian, the prelate said that holiness based on the teaching of the Church should reflect on the character a Christian exhibited in both the Church and larger society.
He expressed satisfaction with the learning the candidates for the Sacrament of Holy Communion had shown and thanked their trainers, urging the parents and guardians to ensure that the candidates lived out and sustained what they learned.
Bishop Ezeokafor applauded the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Jude Uba; and the Priest in residence, Rev Fr Celestine Muonwe, for the neatness, as well as orderliness in the church premises, urging the parishioners to continue to support them.
The Chief Shepherd of Awka Diocese who further bared his mind on his advocacy for proper child upbringing, and a befitting living against befitting burials, appealed to the Obeledu Catholic Community to obey Anambra’s Burial Law, which, he noted, was for the good of the bereaved, especially the downtrodden in society. He stressed that disobeying the law would be a loss to the defaulter.
Welcoming the Bishop, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Uba, said the pastoral visit coinciding with Pentecost Sunday, was not by chance, but a Divine providence.
The priest therefore thanked God also for a serene weather, as well as the Bishop, for coming. He expressed optimism that the Bishop’s episcopal blessing upon the Obeledu Catholics had already endowed them with the peace of the Holy Spirit.
Rev Fr Uba extended appreciation to the dignitaries that graced the occasion, the friends and the supporters of the parish, especially the godparents of the candidates, Brother Chinwendu and Caroline Okafor; the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Ethelebert Ifeabuluike; among others, praying God to reward them abundantly.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Ifeabuluike, expressed gratitude to the organizers and all that attended the occasion, especially those that exercised patience to see its end.
He enjoined the parishioners to continue to support the priests for continuity of the gospel of Christ in Obeledu Community.
In an address of welcome read by the Secretary, Parish Council, Hon Lambert Obijiaku, St Paul’s Parish applauded Bishop Ezeokafor’s achievements, such as the establishment of Peter University, youth empowerment, among others, praying God to continually bless him with good health and wisdom to continue what he described as his good work in the Diocese.
Acrobatic dance displays by Igba Jesu and Maria Dance Troupe;songs and dance by the Holy Childhood Association, both of St Paul’s Parish; march past by the pupils of Matter Dei Nursery and Primary School, Obeledu; among others, added glamour to the second part of the event, which also featured presentation of gift items to the Bishop by the Parish Council, organizations, schools, and individual families.
