By Ononye VC
The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha through the Justice, Development and Caritas (JDPC) on Monday, hosted the elderly and grand parents to a party where they enjoyed themselves and checked their health status.
The event which was held at St John the Baptist Catholic church,Odoakpu Onitsha,attracted hundreds of the elderly and grand parents some of whom were sick with various forms of illnesses and disabilities.
In that regard,the Archbishop of Onitsha,most Rev Valerian Okeke sent his message of goodwill and solidarity to the elders praying God to bless them.
The Archbishop while praying said,”Today,we join the Universal Church in celebrating the elderly and the grand parents.May our ever loving father bless them”.
While delivering his homily during the mass,Rev Father Emmanuel Megwalu described old age as a blessing from God and urged the elderly not to regret being old.
According to Fr Megwalu,the importance of old age cannot be underplayed adding that the aged are not only a repository of knowledge but help in solving a lot of problems in various families with their wisdom and knowledge.
He pointed out that the elderly are important to the church and the society at large having contributed to community and national development at their young ages.
In his remarks the Executive Director of JDPC, Archdiocese of Onitsha Rev Fr Dr Edwin Udoye said the event was a yearly celebration marked every 3rd Sunday of July as initiated by Pope Francis.
Fr Udoye expressed his wish that blessings from the mass will impact positively on the elderly and members of their families to enable them enjoy their old age.
The Parish Priest,Rev Fr Paul Nwanegbo enjoined government authorities to introduce programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of the elderly in the society adding that many of them are suffering in silence and need attention.Fr Nwanegbo while expressing love for the elders, participated in all the activities of the event.
Mrs Kate Ofozoba delivered lectures on ageing process and it’s challenges while Mrs Umeakubuike Amarachi presented a talk on health tips for the aged.
The celebration featured free health services,indoor games, lectures and entertainment with various local Igbo foods,drinks and delicacies.
