By Nna Anulumadu
The parishioners of Holy Spirit parish Omaba last Sunday celebrated Archbishop Valerian Okeke who marked his 70th birthday previous Friday.
The event took place during the pastoral visit of the Chief Shepherd to the parish.
Part of activities marking the event was administration of sacrament of confirmation on over 500 candidates.
In his homily, the prelate advised the parishioners to live a beffitting christian life.
According to him, life of every Christian should be a blessing to others, adding that a child of God should not be afraid of evil conspiracy but should hold tenaciously to God in every circumstances. He futher reminded those admitted into the sacrament of confirmation the need to totally reject the devil and his evil works.
The parish priest Fr Augustine Ezenwelu in his remarks shortly after the Mass, eulogized the Archbishop for visiting them, describing his presence as an encouragement. Speaking to newsmen at the occasion, the President of the Parish Catholic men organisation, Prince Kennedy Ewuzie commended the Archbishop for visiting their church and prayed God to give him more years of grace to work in his vinyard. He noted that the Archbishop visit to the Parish would have significant spiritual benefits to the church and the parishioners. He expressed happiness as the prelate celebrates his 70th birthday.
Also speaking, the President of the Parish Catholic women organisation (CWO) lady Rita expressed immense gratitude to God for the pastoral visit of the Chief Shepherd to the church. She advised those admitted into the sacrament of confirmation to prove themselves worthy solders of Christ. She also prayed God to give the Archbishop more years of good health as he marks his 70th birthday anniversary and relentlessly work in his vineyard .
