By Nna Anulumadu
The Catholic community of St. Dominic Agbaja Abatete recently praised their immediate past parish priest, Rev. Fr. John Manafa, for transforming their parish during his tenure.
The community members showered accolades on Fr. Manafa during a sendoff party at the parish premises. In their address, they described Fr. Manafa as “God-sent,” citing his infrastructural transformations and positive impact on many lives.
Fr. Manafa’s achievements include:
Renovating the rectory into a modern parish house, Demarcating the parish rectory and church building, Completing the perimeter fence and installing security lights and cameras, Reclaiming land for a boys’ quarters and constructing conveniences for the parish and school, Reticulating water to the parish, school, and sacristy.
Others are relocating the Marian Grotto and building the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, Expanding the church and introducing modernity, Landscaping the church compound, Completing the Madonna Hall etc.
Apart from his infrastructural achievements, Fr. Manafa also focused on the spiritual and temporal needs of his parishioners. He supported widows, paid hospital bills, and provided financial empowerment for poor CWO members.
Fr. Manafa’s background and upbringing played a significant role in shaping his personality and priesthood. Born on December 15, 1973, he was raised by his parents, Mr. Paul Chukwuneme Azodo Manafa and Mrs. Rose Ucheoba Manafa. He attended All Hallows Junior Seminary, St. Pius X Seminary, Bigard Memorial Seminary, and Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary.
Fr. Manafa’s business acumen and willingness to share his resources with others have been instrumental in his success. He obtained permission from his archbishop to engage in business and established companies involved in manufacturing bottled and sachet water, brewing beverages, and animal husbandry.”
The Catholic community also expressed gratitude to Fr. Manafa for his selfless service and transformation of their parish. They also thanked Archbishop Valerian Okeke for appointing Fr. Manafa as their parish priest who led the parish for over eight years before he was transferred to St Jerome Parish Obosi.
