. . . Confirms 137 at Pastoral Visit
By Chioma Ndife
The auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, has called on the Management of Federal Government College, (FGC) Nise, indigenes of Nise Community, parents of Catholic students, among other concerned stakeholders, to unite and complete the Holy Trinity Chapel of the college.
Bishop Okoye made the call on Sunday, June 16, at the Federal Government College, Nise, during his pastoral visit and administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on about 137 deserving Catholic faithful.
He noted that the coming together of all concerned stakeholders would provide the needed funds required for the completion of the chapel currently in use by the Catholic students of FGC, Nise, in its uncompleted state. He maintained that the completion of the chapel was required to boost the moral formation of the students and assist them to imbibe the habit of constantly visiting Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
He emphasized the importance of the existence of a chapel in a boarding school and tasked all the concerned stakeholders to make it a reality for the Catholic students in the school. He expressed regret that the students for long had been worshiping in an uncompleted building and wondered how the students could attach value to the things of God when the environment of worship was unconducive.
Bishop Okoye who undertook a tour of the school premises, regretted that those at the helm of authority at the school allowed a structure, which was ongoing, to collapse due to the adverse effects of the weather and use of non-standard materials. He beckoned on the school management to learn how to manage resources in order to minimize waste and urged them to complement the effort of the Federal Government which was not always enough.
The Catholic prelate maintained that for things to get better in Nigeria everyone must brace up to their responsibility, even as he lamented that some people who occupied various positions of authority embezzled funds meant for projects that would affect people’s lives positively. He called for reorientation of people in Nigeria.
In his homily during the Concelebrated Mass, Bishop Okoye admonished the students on good conduct and charged them to shun mischiefs and adopt life styles that would change the lives of those around them.
The pastoral visit which coincided with the solemnity of the Holy Trinity availed the auxiliary bishop the opportunity to explain the mystery embedded in the Holy Trinity and charged them to always make the Sign of the Cross before doing anything.
In his remarks, the Chaplain of the school, Rev. Fr. Jude Ozumba, disclosed the importance of the bishop’s pastoral visit, disclosing the various projects and activities which the students had embarked upon in a bid to generate funds to complete the project. He called for support from all to assist the school in completing their chapel.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, represented by the Head of service, Barr. Harry Udu, reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government towards making life better for Ndi Anambra.
Barr. Udu who made a donation of a million Naira for the chapel project on behalf of the government, said the donation was to complement the effort of the Federal Government and improve the condition of the students at the school who, he noted, were mostly Anambrians.
Also speaking, the former Commissioner for Beautification and Ecology in Anambra, Hon. Romanus Ejikeme, commended the academic achievements and performance of the students of FGC, Nise and called for improvement in the moral formation of the students. He said the completion of the chapel and increased participation of the students in various church activities would bring the desired moral formation.
