-Archbishop Okeke commends the Rector Fr Obielosi for financing the project
By Nna Anulumadu
Jubilation filled the air last Sunday, March 15th, as the Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, blessed and opened the new gigantic Chapel at Holy Family Youth Village, Amansea, Awka.
In his homily during the Mass, Archbishop Okeke described a Chapel as a mini church which must be kept holy after the official blessing. He explained that chapels built in institutions and schools are not for general public use but solely for private use.
He reminded Christians that the Lenten season provides Christians an opportunity to access the light of faith by denouncing their sins and getting closer to Christ.
The prelate praised the Rector of the Youth Village, Rev. Fr. Professor Dominic Obielosi, for financing the chapel project with his salary, describing him as a dedicated and committed priest who has been sacrificing a lot to ensure the Youth Village grows from strength to strength.
He thanked other priests and religious working with him, praying God to bless them.
In an address, the management and students of Youth Village expressed their profound gratitude to the Archbishop for his fatherly role in making the Chapel dream come true and commended his undaunting leadership drive that never wavered in ensuring unprecedented successes in the Youth Village.
The management, via the address, rained accolades on the Rector, Fr. Obielosi, describing him as a workaholic genius and exceptional leader whose broad shoulders bore the weight of the chapel construction.
In his vote of thanks, the Rector, Fr. Obielosi, praised the proprietor and founder of the Youth Village, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, for the great gift to the youth, explaining that he remained a ready lubricant easing out the frictions in the quotidian running of the Youth Village since inception in 2009.
He described Archbishop Okeke as an energizer, an accelerator, an inspiration, and a catalyst of positive change. He expressed unalloyed gratitude to friends and supporters of the Youth Village, including Arch. Calistus Ilozumba, Engr. Bertrand Obielosi, Lolo Anthonia Ebere Obielosi, Angela Cheung, Shelly Muniz, Beatrice Letroppo, Jorge Orellana, Fr. Heebong Nam, Jose Rigoberto, Alvarrancin Segarra, Mr. Eugene Ozonze, and others for their significant contributions.
The traditional rulers of Abacha and Nnobi Kingdoms, His Royal Highness, Godwin Nwabunwanne Odiegwu, and HRH Engr. Nick Modum Obi, respectively, praised the Archbishop for building the Youth Village. The duo also extolled Fr. Obielosi for erecting and donating the new chapel, describing him as an honest priest and a great mover who is giving holistic training to the youth under his care and producing quality graduates.
The former Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, who graced the event, praised the Rector for the chapel project, stating that students living in Youth Village are most privileged in Nigeria and beyond in accessing tertiary education in a comfort zone, describing Youth Village as a home, not just a hostel.
