By Nna Anulumadu
The Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, paid a pastoral visit to St. Anthony’s Parish Nkpor on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The event witnessed the confirmation of 820 candidates.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke charged Christians to pray without ceasing, emphasizing that effective prayer is said with faith. He encouraged Catholics to utilize the means of grace available to them, such as the chaplet, chapel, and Holy Mass, to conquer the world.
“Say your rosary daily, attend Holy Masses, visit the chapel, and book Masses for yourself and your family members, and you will see God in action in your family, performing unmerited miracles in your life,” he said.
The prelate further enjoined the faithful to join hands in handing over their faith to the next generation by teaching their children, family members, and others how to pray and worship God.
“Teach your children about God and ensure they serve God better than you,” he emphasized.
The Catholic community eulogized the Archbishop for his visit, commending him on his giant strides in the Archdiocese. The Parish Priest, Fr. Emma Okoye, extolled the prelate for his fatherly love to the parish and prayed God to bless him abundantly.
Fr. Okoye also felicitated the Archbishop on his 72nd birthday anniversary, wishing him many more active years. He commended the parishioners for their show of faith.
Other parishioners, including the Parish catechist cum president Catholic Catechists Association Onitsha Ecclesiastical province Mr. Innocent Obidike, JDPC Chairman Dunukofia Region Mr. John Iwuanyanwu, and Hon. Jude Akonobi, expressed great joy over the event, describing the visit as a faith booster for the Catholic community. They congratulated the Archbishop on his 72nd birthday, describing him as a compassionate prelate.
The Parish CWO President, Mrs. Uche Akwuobi, , Iyom Bridget Ijeabonwu, Iyom Nonye Nnadi and other parishioners also expressed their elation over the event, describing Fr. Emma Okoye as a gentle and hardworking priest who is winning souls for Christ and taking the parish to a new level.
