By Nna Anulumadu
Joy rented the air last Sunday at Holy Trinity parish Ogidi as parishioners gathered in their large numbers to celebrate the miraculous return of Rev Fr Dr Basil Gbuzue ( a resident priest in the said parish) from kidnappers den after nine days of captivity.
The event coincided with celebration of Holy Trinity feast, the patron of the parish.
Speaking at the event, the parish priest of the Parish Rev Fr Josehpat Nzekwesi expressed gratitude to God for delivering Fr Gbuzue from the hands of kidnappers, describing the development as prayers answered. He described Fr Gbuzue as committed and dedicated priest who is winning souls for Christ, stating that his priesthood style and that of his sets are encouraging fellow younger priests.
His words : “Fr Gbuzue is a very humble and loyal priest who has faith in God and does his priestly work with much enthusiasm. “We thank God that after nine days in the hands of kidnappers, God set him free and he came back home in good health. We attributed every thing to God’s mercy and kindness. In essence God really answered the prayers of people of goodwill including our Parishioners and other parishes”.
He encouraged his parishioners to keep on working together as one family and put all their trust in God. Don’t seek for light where there is no light or salvation where there is no salvation, stating that it is only in the church that salvation is assured.
A parishioner Chief Sir Emeka Okafor (KSJI) who spoke to Trinitas Newspaper said they were saddened when the kidnapping incident happened but through prayers , God set Fr Gbuzue free. He advised fellow Parishioners to always be security conscious and avoid late night movements.
Others including Lady MaryAnn Okafor ( Parish CWO president) , Chukwubunna Obiefuna , Muoma Vincent Esquire (Parish CMO chairman) in their similar contributions said they are elated over the return of Fr Gbuzue, thanking God for protecting him during his days in the hands of evil men. They charged fellow parishioners to remain united and prayerful all the time and never relent in supporting the growth of the parish.
The parish catechist Paul Uzochukwu Osegbo in his contribution attributed the release of Fr Gbuzue to mighty power of God, stating that no one can outdo God. He expressed happiness that Fr Gbuzue came back unhurt and in stable condition. He enjoined fellow parishioners to be more prayerful and be more committed to the church activities for continual spiritual growth as those closer to God will always be saved in times of challenges.
Fr Gbuzue who later spoke to press eulogized the Parish priest and his parishioners for praying for him when he was abducted, testifying that their prayers performed miracle.
He maintained that in every circumstances, prayer is the key, adding that God is always there to answer us when we call on him.
