By Nna Anulumadu
Eulogies poured in last Sunday, June 15, as Catechist St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Odume Layout, Obosi, His Royal Highness Geoffrey I.O Anyanwu Onugotu 1 of Obodo Aharia Eze Nna Ahiara Ofo Nri celebrated 25 years of service as a catechist.
The spectacular event was graced by priests, religious individuals, dozens of catechists, parishioners, and friends who gathered to cheer him on.
Speaking to Trinitas Newspaper shortly after the Mass, the celebrant expressed great joy for the grace of serving God for the past 25 years. He disclosed that he has also served his community as a king for the past 13 years and thanked God for using him and a few others to uplift the image of catechists in the Archdiocese.
His wife, Ugoeze Theresa Anyanwu, appreciated God for the uncommon blessings on her husband, describing him as a humble catechist by every definition. She prayed that God would grant him more active years to serve in His vineyard.
The Parish Priest, Fr. Cletus Edelu, congratulated the catechist, describing him as a catechist worthy of emulation. “Notwithstanding that he is the monarch of his community, he is humble, dedicated, and hardworking,” Fr. Edelu said. “He respects everyone, both the priests and the parishioners. He loves God, the Church, and the parish. In essence, he deserves to be celebrated.”
The President of the Onitsha Archdiocesan Catechists Association, Mr. Martin Thomas, also paid tribute to the monarch, describing him as an exemplary catechist who handles his kingship position and catechist apostolate with great dedication.
“Today, he is the only monarch of a community in Nigeria who works as a catechist of a parish with every sincerity of purpose,” Mr. Thomas said. “He was called to be a king of his community while still serving as a catechist and refused to dump his service to the Church despite his exalted position. He is humility personified.”
Parishioners, including the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Bro. Malachy Nwokoye, and the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the event, Ambassador Ejikeme (aka Eze Akaekpuchi Onwa), congratulated the catechist, describing him as a down-to-earth monarch who is inspiring them greatly.
They posited that he is a gift to the Church, not just a catechist but a caring father to everyone around him, carrying his fellow parishioners along.
