In Neni, Newly Ordained Fr Igboanugo Celebrates First Holy Mass Duty

0
51

By Michael Nnebife and Nonso Samson

St John’s Catholic Church, Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, was agog with celebrations like no other, on Sunday, 21st July, 2024, as the newly ordained Priest, Rev Fr Kingsley Ogonna Igboanugo, celebrated his first Mass in his Neni country home.

The Mass, which many described as a historic occasion in the life of the new priest and the entire Neni Catholic Community, attracted a throng of Catholic priests, who included the Dean, Neni Deanery, Rev Fr Dr Henry Ezeobi; the Chairman, Neni Central Pastoral Council, Rev Fr Dr Chudi Peter Akaenyi, who hosted the Mass; the Parish Priests of Catholic parishes in Neni; as well as the Neni indigenous Rev fathers and sisters.

The creme de la creme of the Neni Community were also there, including the Traditional Ruler of the community, Igwe Damian Ezeani, with his cabinet members, and Iyom group. Others included the Knights and Ladies of St John International; members of the Catholic Men’s Organization; their women’s and youths counterparts; Life Members; Christian Mothers, and other Christian organizations in Neni Catholic Community.

In succession, the priests, the Traditional Ruler of the community, the Igboanugo family, among others, received solemn intercessory prayers and blessings from the newly ordained Fr Igboanugo in the historic Mass.

Fr Igboanugo, in his emotion-laden remarks, appreciated the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor, for not only ordaining him a Catholic priest, but also for paying his school fees.

He extended his appreciation to all the priests serving in Neni; the Neni indigenous priests and religious; the Neni Central Ordination Committee; and the entire congregation, including numerous individuals that attended his ordination Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, on 20th July, 2024.

In the appreciation, Fr Igboanugo made special mention of the family of the late Mr and Mrs Onwuzuluigbo from Uga, who, he said, provided one half of his school fees in support of Bishop Ezeokafor.

He did not forget the contributions of the Traditional Ruler of Neni, Igwe Ezeani; Mrs Rebecca Ikenwoke; and a former Traditional Prime Minister of Neni, the late Chief Anthony Enukeme, praying God to reward them abundantly.

The elated priest also spoke with Fides, describing his priestly call as a joyful mystery.

‘I’m joyful because I’ve actually fulfilled my life dream, a desire to serve God with all my being,’ Fr Igboanugo said.

Earlier in a homily during the Mass, Rev Fr Felix Efobi, who noted that the Catholic priesthood was a vocation that was based on order, highlighted critical qualities of a good leader such as tolerance, patience and humility, which he admonished Fr Igboanugo to put on for him to succeed in his priestly journey.

Shortly after the Mass, in which the Papal goodwill message of Pope Francis to Fr Igboanugo was read and presented to him by the Manager, Rosa Mystica High School, Agulu, Rev Fr Paul Chimezie, on behalf of the Pope, a grand reception for the new priest, and Rev Fr Bartholomew Amobi, including Rev Sr Francisca Madubuko, the indigenes of Neni Community who recently marked their silver jubilee in the religious life, followed.

The Neni Catholic Community, in an address signed by the six Parish Priests in the community, led by Rev Fr Akaenyi, expressed gratitude to Bishop Ezeokafor for finding their son, Fr Igboanugo, worthy of being a priest.

The community, in the address read by the Secretary, Neni Central Pastoral Council, Mrs Eugenia Ezenwa, congratulated Fr Igboanugo, for his priestly ordination; Fr Amobi and Sr Madubuko, for their silver jubilee celebrations, wishing them success.

In separate interviews with Fides, the Chairman, Neni Central Ordination Committee, Chief Januarius Maduabuchi, and the father of the newly ordained, Chief Fabian Igboanugo, advised the new priest to look up to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary as role models in every circumstance.

Chief Maduabuchi and Chief Igboanugo, whose joy was also visible, further urged the new priest never to deviate from the order of the Catholic priesthood, praying God to guide and bless him continually with wisdom, as well as the enabling grace that would help him to attain the zenith of priesthood.

Some highpoints of the epoch-making event included the presentation of Corolla EL vehicle gift to Fr Igboanugo by the Neni Catholic Community; acrobatic dance by the joy-overwhelmed Fr Igboanugo; cutting of cake; among others.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.