By Nna Anulumadu
Joy rented the air at Holy family parish Akuzor Nkpor in Idemili LGA, as a resident priest of the parish Rev Fr Mike Okoye celebrated his 50 years ( golden jubilee) priestly ordination anniversary.
The colourful event witnessed large turnout of parishioners, friends and relatives who gathered to cheer up the celebrant.
Speaking at the Holy Mass that commenced the occasion, Rev. Fr. Barr . Justin Ileka described the celebrant Fr Okoye as a gentle , humble and hard working priest who has won many souls for Christ, adding that he has touched many lives positively. He prayed God to grant him more active years in His vineyard.
The jubilarian Fr Mike Okoye in a remark thanked all that gathered to celebrate with him, asking God to bless everyone for their support and prayers.
The parish in a welcome address congratulated the jubilarian, describing him as a committed and humble priest who is putting all his strength to the service of God and humanity, stating that they are happy to have him as one of the priests in the Parish.
The parish priest Fr Alex Ojo Anosike in his speech eulogized the celebrant describing him as a workaholic priest who is assisting greatly in running the parish.
The Vice chairman Parish council Pharm. S . I Ezenwa in his remarks poured encomiums on Fr Okoye describing him as a teacher per excellence, asking God to bless him with good health. Also, Sir Nicholas Oranagwa ( Nizel) in his contribution saw the jubilarian as a gentle and caring priest who is toiling hard to evangelize the Catholic community.
The parish CMO chairman Mr Felix Kaine, the secretary, Prince Anthony Igwilo and the treasurer Chuka Agudiegwu in their similar remarks felicitated the celebrant describing him as a dynamic, hard working and prayerful priest who is setting a good example in priest hood for the past 50 years.
The chairman organizing committee for the event Igwe Mike Okonkwo and Ichie Ernest Ozue in their separate remarks extolled Fr Okoye ‘s virtues, describing him as a very industrious priest who cares a lot for the parishioners.
The CWO organizer for Ogidi zone Iyom Mater Mary Onwugbenu , parish CWO president Felicia Ukoha and the school head mistress Holy family Nursery and primary school Akuzor Nkpor Mrs Perpetual Nkemakonam Ali in their separate speeches described Fr Okoye as a good priest by every definition, commending him for the selfless services he is rendering to the parish notwithstanding that he was sent to their Parish to rest.
High point of the event was cutting of the golden jubilee anniversary cake.
