By Amarachukwu Okpunobi
It was a gathering filled with joy and thanksgiving to God, last Saturday, 20th April 2024, as Dr. Ikechukwu Ifeyinwa and Dr. Lady Ikechukwu Obi-Udu celebrated their 25th Marriage Anniversary.
The celebration began with a Holy Mass led by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Awka. The silver Jubilee celebration had in attendance friends and well-wishers who came to share in the Joy of the couple.
In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor extolled the couple for their virtue of tolerance and patience with each other over the years of their marriage. He also encouraged them to remain in understanding which he attributed as the fulcrum on which every marriage stood.
The prelate registered his concern over the incessant divorces being recorded presently, lauding the couple for being steadfast even in trying times. He added that young people no longer prepared or learned how to be in marriage but would rather prepare for wedding, consequently missing the spice that made marriage work.
He prayed that the future would fetch the couple even more beautiful and great things to continue to dwell peaceably with each other.
Bishop Ezeokafor further appreciated the children of the celebrants for their support and prayed the good Lord to protect and bless them.
Speaking with Fides, Dr. Lady Obi-Udu revealed that prayer had been the foundation and strength of their marriage and that they had anchored on God, who, according to her, was the head of their family. She prayed that the Almighty God grant all the couples and intending couples who had shared in their joy their heart’s desires in their different families and marriages.
Giving a testament of love, their son, Mr Ikechukwu Obi-Udu, appreciated the celebrants for being great parents worthy of emulation to him and his siblings. He appreciated the couple for all the prayers, sacrifices and provisions they had made for their family.
In his words, ‘Being your son is the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks for being the best parents.
For his part, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi-Udu appreciated Bishop Ezeokafor for his fatherly blessings and love towards his family. He also thanked all the priests, religious and friends who graced their occasion. According to him, the love of God had brought them this far and they were holding unto that love tenaciously even as they continued to live together.
Exchange of marital vows, gifts, dance, and cutting of the silver Jubilee cake, formed the highlights of the event.
