By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
St. Kevin’s Catholic Church, Ichida, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, was a beehive of activities on the 25th of October 2026, as the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Paulus Maria Okafor, celebrated his priestly Silver Jubilee Anniversary.
The event which started with a Holy Mass presided over by the jubilarian in the midst of many other concelebrants, included the oldest priest in Awka Diocese by year of priestly ordination, Very Rev. Fr. Chuma Justin Anyaka; members of the 2001 set of priests from Awka and Ekwulobia Dioceses; and Abbot Marius Okoye from Cistercian Monastery, Nsugbe.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Bernard Anaebena said that God’s love and sacrifice were inseparable from the Catholic priesthood and enjoined the faithful to be ardent in obeying the word of God as a way of showing their love for God and their neighbours.
There was a grand reception in honour of the jubilarian at the end of the Eucharistic celebration. Among the special guests who graced the occasion were the members of Igwe-in-Council who represented the Royal Father of the day, His Royal Majesty, Chief Sir Charles Ezeudogu KSS (Igwe Ohazurunye of Ichida); His Royal Highness, Igwe George Okafor KSM, the traditional ruler of Nawgu in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State; Dim Elias E. Nwosu (Dim IV Ichida); and a host of other guests.
The jubilarian cut the anniversary cake in the company of some prominent members of the clergy, religious men and women, as well as the laity. The guests showered Rev. Fr. Paulus Maria with gifts to express their support for his sacerdotal fidelity.
With deep sentiments of appreciation, the celebrant acknowledged the great sacrifices made by the diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, the priests and religious, friends, and all the parishes where he worked. He asked God to bless them abundantly for supporting his priestly work and anniversary.
Cutting of Jubilee Anniversary cake, group photographs, eulogies, exchange of pleasantries, formed the highlights of the celebration.
