… As Bishop Ezeokafor Performs Pastoral Function
…Warns Against Idol Worshipping, Unbridled Quest for Materialism
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, Sunday, 3rd August 2025, paid a Pastoral visit to Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, Neni, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Parish used the period of the Bishop’s visit to celebrate their Silver Jubilee Anniversary – 2000 – 2025. The auspicious event that was kick-started with a Pontifical Mass presided over by the Local Ordinary, had some dignitaries in attendance, including the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Romanus Ibekwe; the Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Anaocha, Hon. Sir Anthony Ugorji; the Diocesan Chancellor, Reverend Father Charles Ndubuisi; Bishop’s entourage; indigenous priests and religious; HRH, Igwe Damian Ezeani; among others.
In his homily, the Prelate exhorted Christians to focus more on heavenly things and tune down on what he described as their unbridled quest for earthly matters, admonishing them not to lose track of their heavenly race and target, stating that it was the Church’s duty to lead the way and ensure that adherents got the right morals and teachings.
Bishop Ezeokafor, who took his time to admonish parents, said most of the ills today could have been averted if the parents did the right things as regards grooming of their children. He wondered why able bodied men should be contesting what rightly belonged to the Church, adding that parents should try as much as possible to instill the right home training on their children and wards.
The Cleric urged every youth adult to go and learn trade or hard work and desist from constituting a nuisance, even as he reminded them of God’s wrath.
The Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Neni, Rev. Fr. Christopher Aniukwu, and the Chairman of the Pastoral Visit/Silver Jubilee Planning Committee, Hon. Christian Okelom, thanked Bishop Ezeokafor for making out time to come.
Some of those awardees include the Catechist, Jerome Mbanefo; Sir Oliver Oyedum; Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okpalauwaekwe; Rev. Fr. Christopher Nwonicha; Rev. Fr. Jude Amatu; Rev. Fr. Joachim Ezeani; Mr. John Onuegbu; Bro. Christopher Ojulu; and Senator Uche Ekwunife.
Blessings of erected Calvary Cross strategically positioned inside the Church’s premises, gifts and awards presentations, free speeches, photographs, reception of the Bishop, and cutting of Jubilee cake formed the highpoints of the celebration.
