- New Giant Crucifix Blessed
- Over 100 Candidates Confirmed
By Nna Anulumadu
The Catholic community of St. Michael’s De Archangel Parish, Iba Pope, Awada Onitsha, was in a joyful mood last Saturday, September 27, 2025, when the Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, paid a one-day pastoral visit to the parish.
The event witnessed the confirmation of over 100 candidates and the blessing of a new giant crucifix mounted at the church entrance.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke charged Christians to dispose themselves to the Holy Spirit, enjoining them to shun sinful life, which can drive the Holy Spirit out of their lives.
He emphasized that anyone who gives the Holy Spirit space in their life will be victorious and conquer all the time.
“If you want to succeed in life, give the Holy Spirit a chance to lead you, and when you are led by God the Holy Spirit, no evil shall harm you.”
In a welcome address, the Catholic community eulogized the Archbishop for paying them a visit and appreciated him for his unflinching support and encouragement during their church construction, describing him as a lovely father.
They also praised their parish priest, Fr. Bedemoor, for his committed efforts in taking the parish to new heights.
Responding, the Archbishop thanked the parish priest, Fr. Obiekezie, and parishioners for their commitment to sustaining the status quo ante at the parish, urging them to sustain the tempo.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Bedemoor Obiekezie eulogized the prelate for visiting them, describing him as a compassionate prelate with special love for his flock.
He thanked the parishioners for their usual support and cooperation, describing them as people of faith, and pledged to continue working together as a team for sustainable progress in the parish.
The donor of the crucifix, Chief Eze Mentus Mbonu, and his wife appreciated the Archbishop for visiting them, asserting that his prayers had liberated the Catholic community.
The CMO chairman Hon Donatus Ebeka , treasurer Mr Joseph Ozo and Chairman Zone 4 Mr Paul Ndimene in their contributions expressed Joy over the event positing that the visit of the prelate will strengthen the peace and love among the Parishioners, enjoining fellow parishioners to remain steadfast in their faith.
Also Mrs.Iyom Onwuharam Ifeoma.
Organizer Awada zone 1 C.W.O, the parish CWO president Mrs Ezinne Eucharia Ogbonna, Mrs Maureen Onwubunta and Lady Mbaukwu Mary in their similar remarks said they are elated for hosting the Archbishop.
They believed the Archbishop’s visit would strengthen peace and love among parishioners and open doors of progress for the Catholic community.
They also rained accolades on the the parish priest Fr Obiekezie for his dedication, describing him as dynamic and ebullient priest who is carrying everybody along
The high point of the event was the commissioning of a new parish school structure plan by the Archbishop.
