Archbishop Valerian Okeke invests 31 new Catechists in Archdiocese of Onitsha-counts them as privileged to work in God’s vineyard

By Ononye VC/Nna Anulummadu
There was a festive and joyful atmosphere as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke invested and commissioned 31 new Catechists domiciled in the Archdiocese of Onitsha.
The impressive and colourful ceremony which took place at the Tansi Major Seminary,Onitsha,on Wednesday,4th September 2024,attracted a variety of the faithful which included priests,religious and the lay faithful from different parishes.
Out of the 31 investees,4 were women.
While delivering his homily which reflected on the benefits of doing God’s work,the Archbishop charged the new Catechists to see themselves as privileged to be chosen to do God’s work because not everyone has the opportunity to be called.
He reminded them that their work is not about making money or being opportunistic to shortchange the faithful under their care but to serve according to the teachings of the church.
The Archbishop pointed out that the society of today is so much obsessed with making money out of every opportunity but that since they have been chosen to do God’s work,God will always bless and provide for them and never to go hungry with their families.
“God’s work never goes for nothing.There were Catechists who earned little or nothing in the past but God blessed all their children beyond measure”,the Archbishop pointed out.
He urged them to be rich in Christ rather than seeking avenues for material wealth since God is the giver of everything including wealth.
He commended the new Catechists,their Archdiocesan Director,Rev Fr Jude Mgbobukwa,their National President,Catechist Kingsley Ginikanwa,the Provincial President Catechist Innocent Obidike and the Onitsha Archdiocesan President Catechist Mathew Thomas for their diligence in making the investiture a success.
Also,the Director of the Catechists Association,Rev Fr Jude Mgbobukwa thanked the Archbishop for making out time to invest the Catechists and the Rector of the Seminary Rev Fr Fabian Obi for providing accommodation for retreat of the Catechists as well as others who made the investiture a success.
In a welcome address presented to the Archbishop which was signed by the President of the Onitsha Archdiocesan Catechists Association, Catechist Mathew Thomas and the Secretary,Catechist Michael Ibegwa,the Catechists eulogized Archbishop Okeke on his fatherly disposition towards the Catechists with his many financial and moral support for progress of the association.
They hailed the Archbishop on the new Shanahan University project which they said has afforded the poor an opportunity for university education.
The Catechists also apprised the Archbishop of their many activities and interventions including the introduction Igbo quiz catechism competition in various parishes as well as pledged to intensify teaching of catechism in all the parishes.
Highlight on the ocassion include investing and blessing of the Catechists with new vestments by the Archbishop,group photograph and cultural dances from various parishes.