By Abuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has exhorted Christians to shun hate, unforgiving spirit, vindictiveness, stinginess, selfishness and unnecessary frugality, calling on them to always pray and assist their neighbours, especially the downtrodden and destitute in society.
Bishop Ezeokafor, who gave the exhortation at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Isuofia, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, while carrying out his pastoral function, admonished Christians to imbibe the spirit of almsgiving, love, mercy, piety, and as well render selfless service to God and humanity.
The Catholic prelate urged them to shun self-centeredness, greed, unbridled quest for materialism and wanton accumulation of wealth.
Earlier, the parish priest of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Isuofia, Rev. Fr. Festus Ikem Okoye, thanked the bishop for his visit and also for his fatherly love and care.
Those in Bishop Ezeokafor’s entourage included, the bishop’s secretary and lecturer in the Department of Religion and Human Relations, Faculty of Arts, UNIZIK, Awka, Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Monwe; the deputy chancellor of Awka Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeokeke; and Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Chiegboka (lecturer in the Department of Religion and Human Relations, Faculty of Arts, UNIZIK, Awka).
Also in attendance were the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; the traditional ruler of Isuofia, Col. Christopher Moughalu (Bishop Ezeokafor’s Uncle), among others.
Administration of Sacrament of Confirmation to deserving Candidates, blessing of Virgin Mary’s statue and blessing of renovated Reverend Father’s Rectory formed the highpoints of the bishop’s visit.
