… Bestows them with Senior Citizen Membership
By Daruwana Daku and Ebube Edieh
The parishioners of St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Aguluzigbo in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, last Sunday celebrated their old parishioners who have clocked 80 years and above in grand style.
The celebration which came as part of the fulfilment of the maxim of the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Most. Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, to always have a befitting living as against befitting burial, witnessed the honouring of 112 octogenarians aged between 80 and 120 years from the parish.
Witnessed by Igwe Ohanyelu II of Aguluzigbo, dignitaries, indigenous priests and religious, as well as parishioners, the celebration began with a Eucharistic celebration that was concelebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor.
In his homily, the Bishop thanked God for the gift of life of the celebrants. This was even as he noted that their place on earth had been fulfilled as they were no longer having any excuses to serve and obey the commandments of God as quoted in the readings of the day.
For his part, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Paul Onyebuchi, emphasised that most of the octogenarians had dutifully contributed to the positive growth of the parish in their hey days and it was natural to celebrant them while living, to see the love from family and relatives.
The Parish Priest also thanked all who contributed to the success of the event, just as he also appreciated the Bishop for making out time to bless and pray with them.
The senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Sen. Victor Umeh; HRH, Igwe Sir Rufus Ugochukwu Iloduba, KSJI; and other well-meaning parishioners, graced the occasion.
Umeh, while presenting his good will message to the octogenarians, spoke highly of the goodness of God in the lives of the celebrants. According to him, it was a thing of honour to always celebrate the old, especially those who had contributed to the growth of the Catholic Community in Aguluzigbo.
In his magnanimous nature, Senator Umeh promised to share a total of N1, 120, 000 to the 112 celebrants.
In the same light, he called for a continued care of the old and as well charged the Catholic Community to do a proper census to enable them to capture them in care giving.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Eucharius Okonkwo, while making his open remarks at the event, appreciated the Parish Priest and the organizers for seeing the celebration of the aged as paramount in the parish.
The event had cutting of the cake, presentation of gifts and certificates, cultural displays and group photographs, as part of the highlights.
