By Ononye VC
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke on Sunday January 12,2025, celebrated a special mass of thanksgiving for the new year 2025 at the Stella Maris Catholic Church,GRA,Onitsha,an outstation of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.
The Mass marked the church’s celebration of the solemnity of the baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ performed by the forerunner of Jesus,John the Baptist.
In his soul enriching,spirit filled and spell binding homily,the Archbishop reflected on the humility and simple life of John the Baptist whose words and deeds he pointed out,reflected in his life.
He charged the faithful to emulate John the Baptist as it will help their lives adding that if anyone has the spirit of God,such person remains indestructible and shielded from evil.
“When we are baptized,one becomes born again.If you behave as a baptized faithful,the spirit of God lives in you and nothing will happen to you.You are therefore called to live and act as those who have been baptized”,the Archbishop said.
On the general situation of things in the society and families,the Archbishop called on the faithful to “begin to do the right things,” since according to him,the younger ones are coming up and are watching and copying the footsteps of their parents and leaders and may be influenced to copy from good or bad examples they demonstrate.
In a heartfelt and gratitude laden welcome address delivered by the Stella Maris Catholic Community,GRA,Onitsha,signed by the Rector of the Basilica,Rev Fr JohnBosco Ezika,the Chaplain of GRA Catholic Community,Rev Fr Emmanuel Nwabufo and presented by Dr Mrs Ifeyinwa Onochie,they congratulated the Archbishop for his numerous ground breaking achievements topmost is the inauguration of the Shanahan University Onitsha as well as his exemplary leadership as the shepherd of God’s flock.
The Chancellor of the Archdiocese,Rev Fr Prudentius Aroh,the Secretary to the Archbishop Rev Fr Emmanuel Onunkwo,Trinitas Newspaper Deputy Editor,Rev Fr Emmanuel Nwankwo,Rev Fr Emmanuel Megwalu and Rev Fr Chrisonogus Ibemere assisted the Archbishop in the Mass.
Some prominent members of the GRA Catholic community were also present.They include,the President General of the CMO, Archdiocese of Onitsha,Sir Evarist Uba,Sir and Lady Ikem and Nonye Osanakpo,Sir and Lady Enebeli and Vera Osanakpo,Chief Franklin Anazodo among others.
Highlight on the ocassion was presentation of gifts to the Archbishop by members of the GRA Catholic community
