Onitsha Archdiocesan Catechist Association Celebrates Golden Jubilee of Existence, Launches Maiden Almanac
- Patrons, Patronesses, Golden Sons & Daughters Installed
By Nna Anulumadu/Obum Okakpu
It was a celebration galore as Onitsha Archdiocesan Catechist Association on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, celebrated their 50 years (golden jubilee) of existence at All Hallows Seminary Onitsha.
The historical event, graced by the Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, witnessed the installation of patrons, patronesses, golden sons, and daughters of the Association.
The association also appreciated and gifted Catechists who retired and others who have served in the Lord’s vineyard for over 25 years and are still serving.
Speaking at the event, Archbishop Okeke commended the Catechists for their significant role in the church, describing their services as a real apostolate embedded in spreading the gospel.
Preaching during the Holy Mass that kicked off the event, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Emeka Aroh, revealed five secrets of happy and successful apostolate: being patient with life, listening to God daily, praying daily, being obedient and humble, and seeing their call as a selfless sacrifice.
He urged Catechists to remain steadfast.
In an address, the association poured encomiums on the Archbishop for his fatherly support and encouragement that kept them thriving despite all odds.
They described him as a lovely Chief Shepherd who cares a lot for his flock.
The Spiritual Director of Onitsha Archdiocesan Catechists Association, Rev. Fr. Jude Mgbobukwa, eulogized the Archbishop for his unflinching support to the Association.
He thanked the Catechists for their sincerity of purpose in their discharge of duties, enjoining them not to relent.
The President of Onitsha Archdiocesan Catechists, Mr. Mathew Thomas, appreciated the Archbishop for gracing the event and his promise to review the salaries of the Catechists.
He described him as a father with a large heart and thanked their Spiritual Director, Fr. Mgbobukwa, for his commitment to ensuring the good welfare of the Catechists.
The National President of Catholic Catechist Association of Nigeria, Hon. Kingsley Ginikannwa, expressed joy over the event, describing Catechist work as a vocation and call that can lead one to heaven when done with every sincerity of purpose.
The Provincial President of Catechist Association Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Mr. Innocent Obidike, saw the jubilee celebration as a milestone.
He posited that the Catechist Association in Onitsha is waxing stronger and cannot be easily competed with.
The legislator representing Onitsha South II, Hon. Barr. Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, who was honored by the association, described Catechists as unsung heroes.
He stated that behind many successful priests are hardworking Catechists, enjoining fellow Christians not to hesitate in appreciating Catechists.
Mr. Franklin Chukwu, who chaired the event, and Chief Mrs. Princess Okafor, who was installed as one of the patronesses of the association, felicitated the association over the jubilee celebration.
They urged Catechists not to relent in their good works.
