By Nna Anulumadu/Obum Okakpu
The Catholic community of St. Edward’s Parish Eziowelle warmly welcomed the Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, on a pastoral visit on May 18, 2025. The event featured the confirmation of 178 candidates.
In his homily, the Chancellor of Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Prudentus Aroh, who represented the Archbishop, charged Christians to love one another as Christ loved us. He emphasized that Christ’s love is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional, forgiving, and practical, and encouraged the faithful to extend the same love to others.
The Catholic community in address expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for visiting them and commended him for his transformative projects in the Archdiocese. In response, Archbishop Okeke praised the Parish Priest, Fr. Christopher Odimegwu, and the parishioners for their welcoming disposition, urging them to continue supporting the parish’s growth.
Fr. Odimegwu in remarks described the Archbishop as a good shepherd and lauded his parishioners for their show of faith, encouraging them to keep the light of faith shining.
The Executive Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, Hon. Barr. Austin Enendu, and Hon. Chukwuemeka Akunna, in their separate remarks, saw the Archbishop’s visit as a huge blessing and prayed for God’s blessings on him.
The Parish CWO Vice President, Iyom Joshine Okeke, and other parishioners, including Mrs. Nwakego Mary Aniedobe, Chief Calistus Ezeigwe, and the parish catechist Mrs. Mary Rose Udem, expressed joy over the event and praised Fr. Odimegwu for his tireless efforts in moving the parish forward, describing him as dedicated, hardworking, and dynamic.
