By Nna Anulumadu
Joy rented the air last Sunday, September 3, when the magnificent church building at St Joseph parish Iba Pope, Awada was solemnly dedicated to the Almighty God.
The historical event attracted the presence of the Chief Shepherd His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke who performed the dedication rites as priests, the religious and large number of faithful in attendance watched with admiration.
In his Homily, Archbishop Okeke described church dedication as the official handover of church building to God, explaining that once dedication takes place, the church automatically becomes the house of God. Describing Church dedication as a solemnity ( feast), he reminded the parishioners that they are being rededicated to God same day, advising them to shun any unwholesome act that may desecrate their bodies which is the temple of God.
The prelate further urged the faithful to embrace ongoing purification, renewal and revival in order to remain holy all the time. “Also form the habit of visiting a dedicated Church with your family members at least once in week”, he advised.
In a welcome address, the Catholic community eulogized Archbishop Okeke for dedicating their church and for the hardworking priests he has been sending to them since inception of the parish. They also praised him over his transformational projects in Onitsha Archdiocese, describing him as a game changer. The parishioners also commended the efforts of the pioneer Parish priest Fr Onyeka towards development of the parish. In a special way, they rained accolades on their current Parish priest Rev Fr Collins Okoye for kickstarting the erection of the church building and bringing it to completion, describing him as a dynamic, hardworking and ebullient priest.
Responding, the local ordinary commended the parish priest and the parishioners for their outstanding efforts and sacrifices that made the completion and dedication of the church edifice, a reality.
The Parish priest Fr Okoye in his remarks appreciated Archbishop Val for his fatherly role. He commended the parishioners and friends to the parish for their generosity and support to the church project. He also thanked CWO members for sponsoring the church project in a special way.
The parish CMO chairman Bro. Obiora Adimorah who spoke to Trinitas expressed profound joy over the dedication, positing that it will bring more transformation to their Catholic community.
Also, the parish CWO president Mrs Ada Rosita Ifegbo ( Iyom Jesus) in her contribution said they are happy to witness the solemn dedication, describing the event as a blessing to the community.
Meanwhile, candidates numbering one thousand, three hundred received sacrament of confirmation at the eve of the dedication.
