- Parish Congratulates Prelate on 45th Priestly Anniversary
- Over 600 Candidates Confirmed
By Nna Anulumadu
The Catholic community of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Odume Obosi, on Sunday, August 9th, 2026, staged a spectacular reception to welcome the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, during his pastoral visit to the parish.
The event featured the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on over 600 candidates.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke enjoined Christians to maintain a constant life of prayer, both in good times and in difficult moments, in order to remain close to God.
Reflecting on the theme, “Overcoming Impossibilities with Faith and Prayer,” the Archbishop charged Christians to pray with faith and to live out their faith daily. He called on the people of God to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer as the foundation of their Christian walk.
In an address read at the event, the Catholic community appreciated the prelate for the visit, describing it as a “mission of love.” They extolled him for his giant strides and congratulated him on his 45th priestly anniversary. The parish also showered accolades on their parish priest, Rev. Fr. Cletus Edelu, for his sincere commitment to moving the parish to the next level, describing him as a hardworking pastor who carries his parishioners along.
Responding, the prelate thanked the parish priest and parishioners for their warm reception, urging them not to relent in their good works.
The parish priest, Fr. Edelu, in his remarks, thanked the prelate for his fatherly support and care. He also commended his parishioners for their sacrifices and cooperation, describing them as people of faith.
Speaking with Trinitas Newspaper, the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. Malachy Nwokoye; the CMO Chairman, Amb. Ejikeme DC (Ezeaka Egbochi Onwa)and the Parish Catechist, HRH Eze Geoffrey I. O. Anyanwu, Onugotu I of Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise), expressed their joy over the Archbishop’s visit. They said they had been spiritually uplifted and thanked the prelate for gifting them with the current parish priest, Fr. Edelu. They described Fr. Edelu as a consoler, kind, and humble priest with a listening ear.
Also contributing, the Parish CWO President, Mrs. Eugenia Iloh, said she was elated to witness the event. She posited that the Catholic community had received new blessings, favours, and liberation. She commended the parish priest for the special care he shows to parishioners, describing him as “God-sent.”
