Over 100 candidates confirmed
By Nna Anulumadu
Joy rented the air last Sunday May 19th, 2024 as St John the Baptist parish Odakpu Onitsha staged a spectacular event to celebrate their 2nd anniversary of church dedication and host the Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke who paid a one day pastoral visit to the said Parish same day.
The spectacular event witnessed confirmation of over 100 confirmation candidates.
In his Homily, Archbishop Okeke urged Christians to always speak the language of love that is cable of transforming the world and making it a better place. According to him, we must always be led by the Holy spirit in order to have the grace of speaking the language of love .He made it clear that for one to speak the language of love, he or she must be possessed with the Holy spirit and always be guided by the same spirit.
The prelate made it clear that for one to speak the language of love, he must avoid immorality acts like fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, strife, jealousy, sorcery enmity, strife, anger, selfishness, dissention, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing and the like.
He listed the fruit of the Holy spirit as captured in St Paul’s letter to Galatians which include love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness, self control etc, charging Christians to bear these fruits so that they always enjoy the presence and company of the Holy spirit and as well speak the language of love.
In welcome address presented shortly after the Mass, the parishioners expressed unalloyed gratitude to the Archbishop for visiting them, describing his visit as a blessing. They extolled him for his giant strides in the Archdioceses since the last 22 years on the saddle and the recent establishment of Shanahan University. The Parish further thanked the Archbishop for approving their proposed Baptist parish family projects of building and establishing a group of schools, a mini stadium and mini mart. They also rained accolades on their Parish priest Rev Fr. Dr. Nwanegbo for his visionary leadership that has attracted new development to the Parish.
Responding, Archbishop Okeke commended the Parish priest Fr Nwanegbo for his commitment and efforts in moving the Parish to an enviable height. He also appreciated the parishioners for warmth reception and their donations, declaring the Parish the first to donate to Shanahan University education foundation, praying God to bless them.
The parish priest Fr Nwanegbo in his remarks poured encomiums on the Prelate, describing his visit as an encouragement. He also thanked the Parishioners for their supports, cooperation and sacrifices, describing them as people of faith.
The Parish CMO chairman Linus Onyenekwe, Vice Chairman Parish council Surveyor Emma Echezonna, Secretary Parish council Evaristus Obasi and pastoral visit committee chairman Mayor Chidiebele Adiri in their separate remarks expressed great joy over the visit. They praised the Parish priest Fr Nwanegbo over his total dedication to Parish development, describing him as a simple, dynamic and passionate priest who is really transforming the parishioners.
Also, the Parish CWO president Lady Victoria Mbanugu, Mayor Paschal Ezeaka, Mayor Patrick Valentine Azike in their similar remarks said they are elated for being part of the great event. The eulogized their Parish priest Fr Nwanegbo for being a great teacher to them.
