“In Catholic Education, We Take Care of Spiritual, Material Aspects of Human”

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Anointing of the confirmation candidates

… As Bishop Ezeokafor makes a Pastoral Visit to Rosa Mystica High School, Agulu

By Michael Nnebife and Wise Yakubu

All roads on Saturday, 30th November, 2024, led to Rosa Mystica High School, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, as the Management, Staff, Students, friends, as well as well-wishers of the Institution, gathered in the institution to rejoice and receive the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, who was on a pastoral visit.

The epoch-making event, which featured the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on 140 students of the Institution; inauguration of 2024/2025 Academic Session at the Institution; investiture of her new students; among others, attracted the creme de la creme of Awka Diocese and Anaocha LGA, who included Bishop Ezeokafor’s Secretary, Rev Fr Evaristus Ifeanacho; the Mayor of Anaocha LGA, Comrade Romanus Ibekwe among others.

The Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor delivering Homily

In his homily during a Pontifical Holy Mass, marking the beginning of the historic event, Bishop Ezeokafor, who expressed appreciation to the Management and staff of the Institution for their service, reiterated the reasons Catholic Church ventured into education.

The Bishop said the Church was interested in education, not necessarily because of the material gain or money that accrued from it.

‘It is because the Church believes that children and all of us human beings, created in the likeness of God, have a need to be formed properly, taking care of two aspects of man, that’s, spirit and body. ‘So, in Catholic Education, we do our best to take care of this responsibility to nurture human beings who represent God in society,’ Most Rev Ezeokafor said.

‘When looking for a school to train your child, make sure that school has that responsibility of taking care of the spiritual and academic life of your child,’ Ezeokafor advised parents, identifying good character, fear of God and academic excellence as the cardinal objectives of Catholic Education.He described children as the greatest assets parents had, insisting that parents should have quality time for their children and take the responsibility of training them seriously.

One term” Scholarship fund for five (5) students by Auxiliary Teachers 2020 and 2024

Recalling what he described as the critical role teachers played in the training of a child, the Prelate encouraged the teachers and advised them to also be good role models to school children. ‘The way you teach them and carry yourself, adds to the development of these children. ‘Students, be disciplined; avoid bad company and cutting corners. Now you’re in a school, work hard and seek the kingdom of knowledge,’ Bishop Ezeokafor advised.

In his remarks and address of welcome, the Manager of the Institution, Rev Fr Paul Chimezie, thanked the Bishop, for his fatherly love and interest in the Institution. The Manager, who was full of appreciation to numerous individuals, who contributed to the development of the Institution, and the dignitaries that graced the occasion, regaled the Bishop and the dignitaries with the achievements the Institution had recorded recently.

‘For two years now, we have not recorded any failure against any student in any subject in BECE, NECO and WAEC; it has been 100% success in having 5 credits and above, including English and Mathematics.’Presently, we are the Anambra State and Awka Diocesan champions in female school football. ‘Last year, our school Entrepreneurial Team represented the South East Geopolitical Zone in defence of their Breaking Barrier Project, a National Entrepreneurial Competition organized in Lagos by Junior Achievements of Nigeria in partnership with Access Bank Plc,’ Rev Fr Chimezie said, adding that his school was among 11 qualified secondary schools in Anambra State for the 2024 Singing Competition Finals in foreign languages slated to hold on 7th December, being organized by Stelated Bilateral Education Consultancy.

Chairman of the Occasion, Barr. Raymond Ilojideofor

He listed the challenges facing the Institution as upgrading of her laboratories for sciences and Home Economics; renovation of the two buildings housing the laboratories, among others. Fr Chimezie, who said the Institution targeted to surmount those challenges by the time she would mark her 60th anniversary in 2026, appealed to philanthropists, friends and well-wishers of the Institution for assistance.

Presentation of awards of academic excellence to outstanding students of the Institution, including Ms Emmanuella Igwe, who scored nine distinctions in the 2023/2024 WAEC exams; granting of ‘One-Term’ scholarship fund for 5 students by the Auxiliary teachers; unveiling of the Institution’s 2024/2025 Academic Goal; sendoff for the 2024 SS 3 Set; cultural dance by the students, among others, added glamour to the epoch-making event chaired by Barr Raymond Okonkwo.

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