Over 1000 candidates confirmed
By Nna Anulumadu/ Obum Okakpu
It was a remarkable and memorable day on Sunday 14th May 2023 as the parish priest, parish Councillors, parishioners and friends of Holy Cross Parish, Nkpor came out in their numbers and played host to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke on the occasion of his pastoral visit to the Parish. It was a memorable day in the lives of the parishioners as they were obliged the privilege of beholding the sight of the Chief Shepherd once again. During the eucharistic celebration of the Holy mass, more than 1000 candidates received the Sacrament of confirmation.
Preaching the homily during the mass, Archbishop Valerian Okeke said that when we love Jesus and truly open ourselves to him by obeying his precepts, he will bless us with God’s best gift, the Holy Spirit. And the presence of the Holy Spirit empowers us to witness to Christ and to receive God’s marvels. The prelate pray for a renewed manifestation of the divine power of the Holy spirit in the lives and situations of Christians.
Appreciating his guests, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Joseph Ezeugo articulated his sentiments of gratitude to the Archbishop describing him as a caring father . Also in an interview, the Parish priest with happiness thanked God for the favour of the pastoral visit of the Archbishop and for the innumerable blessings that accompanies the visit of the prelate. Fr. Joseph Ezeugo prayed for sustained grace upon the Archbishop as he advices the confirmation candidates to be steadfast and remain truthful to the sacrament they received.
The Vice Chairman parish Council Br. Sunday Ikwuerisi KSM prayed for a renewed Christian life among the parishioners as he believed that the visit of the Archbishop will herald a new era of increased faith in the parish.
The CWO parish president Lady Onyinye Uyanna believes that the visit of the Archbishop to the parish is already a blessing to the parishioners even as she noted that the visit is an encouragement in the Christian race of the parishioners and advised the confirmation candidates to always hold still to the Holy spirit by being good children and Christians as well.