By Philip Balepo/Ononye VC
Most times in the Christian circle, we are familiar with people who celebrate silver jubilee of their marriage, priestly ordination or even as a bishop or archbishop, but hardly a catechist. But on the 23rd of April, parishioners of Chukwubueze Parish in Ossomala gathered to thank God for their brother, Felix Onuorah, who has been the catechist for the past 25 years.
Trinitas witnessed the event and spoke with the celebrant on his strides and what made him to keep such strong fate with a “thankless job” for so long a period, and even counting.
Catechist Felix narrated his journey this far: “I was prompted by the passion to win souls for Christ, which grew to the zeal to serve and serve diligently, knowing quite well that catechists are not paid salaries but are given stipends.
“Already, I was a teacher before I took up the job and by God’s grace, I furthered my education to a graduate level. But my desire to serve my God in my humble way inspired me to be here till today.”
When we wanted to know why settle in the village or rather, a rural area, when his mates were moving to urban cities for the greener pastures, Felix, who has been crowned by the parishioners as “Ichie Cathy,” explains: “In actual fact, the souls are in the village. The greater work of winning souls, from the scratch, is more in the village than the townships. And as I was ready to assiduously work for God, the township was no attraction to me.”
But what would make a young man who is full of life, out of school and ready to get married, decide to live a near celibate life?
“First and foremost, I did not see it as such. Like I said earlier, I had this passion, which I still have and have grown it to a great zeal. But I give God the glory because the woman I married is from a very solid Catholic family. So, that even strengthened my desire to become a catechist. And she has supported me all these 25 years.”
“I really remained focus, in spite of the fact that distractions abound. And in my next world, I would love to continue catechizing.”
Trinitas asked Catechist Felix Onuorah to give us his candid advice.
“My candid advice to my colleagues and other christians is to bear in mind that we are strangers on earth, and one day, we shall render account of our actions and inactions. And like St. Paul said, we should live a Christ-like life.”
On a parting note, Felix expressed a very heart felt gratitude to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Uzodike, who encouraged him to mark this milestone. He also extended same to his co-parishioners, colleagues and his wife and children, who are ever supportive in his chosen vocation.
Felix officially was invested as a catechist on September 13th, 1998 by Rev. Fr. Collins Ojene, the then Parish Priest of Chukwubueze Parish, Ossomala.
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