. Fr Gerald Nwafor holds memorial service for late parents and sibling
By Nna Anulumadu
Saturday, 3rd January 2026, was another day of thanksgiving at the Nwafor family in Ifitedunu town, Anambra, when family members, relatives, and friends gathered to celebrate Sr. Mary Josephine Anyansi’s platinum jubilee of her First Religious Profession.
The Nwafor family also held a memorial service for Late Chief Ephraim Nwafor, his wife Cecilia, and their son Barr Williams on the same day.
The event witnessed the presence of the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke, priests, religious leaders, and faithful who came to cheer the family up.
Rev Fr Prof. Chiegboka, in his homily, described Sr Anyansi as a humble and respectful sister who has a great passion for her profession, serving God and humanity without any reservation.
Fr Gerald Nwafor, while congratulating Sr Anyansi, who is also his maternal aunt, described her as an exemplary and dedicated sister.
“Sister made sure my mother received formal education. She encouraged all of us, including my relatives, to go to school before venturing into business or any other thing,” he said.
“My dad, Ephraim, died in 2015, and my mum, Cecilia, passed on in 2019. My brother Williams died 24 years ago, precisely in 2001. We remember them and pray for them every year, and we thank God for their lives worthy of emulation.”
He described his mother as a kind-hearted woman who facilitated the education of many successful men and women.
“My dad was also a very reserved, quiet man who sacrificed a lot for peace,” he added.
In an interview with Trinitas correspondent, Sr Anyansi expressed profound gratitude to God for granting her the rare privilege of celebrating 70 years of dedication to her religious profession.
“Platinum jubilee signifies that I, Sister Mary Josephine Anyansi, have been a sister for 70 years. My utmost appreciation goes out to everyone involved in my journey,” she said.
She revealed that she was the first member of her congregation in Nigeria to achieve this milestone, describing it as an uncommon grace.
“I am elated to express heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of life, vocation, and religious life. I am grateful to God for preserving my life all these years, and I’m happy that I’ve been able to extend His love and compassion to people,” she said.
Sr Anyansi credited her achievements to the intercession of Mother Mary, whom she described as her role model.
She shared her experiences of working in Sierra Leone for 18 years, where she cared for the needy, paid hospital bills for the poor, and sponsored children’s education.
The celebrant expressed gratitude to her parents, teachers, congregation, and individuals who have supported her throughout her life and vocation.
She specifically thanked her congregation, led by Mother General Maureen Akabuogu, for celebrating her platinum jubilee and providing her with opportunities to work and evangelize.
She also appreciated the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke, for his fatherly role and support.
In her message, Sr Anyansi emphasized the importance of spreading God’s love.
“On this special day, my message to the congregation is that God loves us profoundly; we should all strive to spread that love just as the Lord went about doing good,” she said.
She also thanked her fellow Rev Sisters, Fr Gerald Nwafor, Mrs Ngozi Nwoke, the Anyansi and Nwafor families, and others for their care and encouragement.
