- 219 Candidates Confirmed, Chapel Commissioned
The Catholic community of St. Mary’s Parish Alor was in jubilant mood on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, as the Chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, paid a one-day pastoral visit to the parish.
The spectacular event witnessed the confirmation of 219 candidates and the commissioning of a newly renovated Chapel of Perpetual Adoration.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke urged Christians to drop their sins in order to win the heavenly race. According to the Archbishop, sins constitute a heavy burden that can hinder Christians from making heaven on the last day.
He likened a Christian living in sin to a sportsman who is laden with heavy clothes and gadgets while running a race in a competition, explaining that such a person cannot win the race.
“In your heavenly race, focus on Christ, live a good life pleasing to the Lord by shunning sins such as greed, jealousy, selfishness, and other acts considered evil,” the Archbishop advised.
In a welcome address, the Catholic community appreciated the prelate for visiting, describing his presence as a blessing. They also extolled the Archbishop for transforming Onitsha Archdiocese, positing that his transformative leadership has taken the Archdiocese to an enviable height.
The parish highlighted their recent achievements, including beautification of church compound, renovation of the chapel, and rained accolades on the parish priest, Fr. Izuu Ifem, for his doggedness in developing the parish both physically, spiritually and otherwise, describing him as visionary, hardworking, and dynamic parish priest.
Responding, the Archbishop commended the parish priest for his dedication to duty, urging him not to relent. He thanked the parishioners for their show of faith, enjoining them to sustain the tempo.
The Parish Priest, Fr. Izuu Ifem, poured encomiums on the Archbishop for visiting them. He also thanked the parishioners for their usual support and cooperation, asking God to bless them.
In a special way, he thanked Senator Chris Ngige, Emeka Ngige SAN, Hon. Barr. Bona Oraekwe, Mmadubuko family, Dr Mrs Vera Nwadinobi ASUBEB Chairman, Hon Ebuka Igwe (member representing Idemili South constituency ), Chief Silas Okenmuo ( former chairman ordination committee), Chief Okey Anolue ( Afunwa ), Late Chief Josephat Mmadubuko family , past and current parish CWO presidents, CMO chairman, zonal leaders both past and present and others for their continual support.
The Chairman of the Pastoral Visit Committee, Hon. Barr. Bona Oraekwe, and the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. Malachy Obimalume, expressed joy over the visit, urging fellow parishioners to keep the light of their faith burning.
Also, the Parish CMO Chairman, Ichie Law Chukwuemeka Okpala Okoye, and the Parish CWO President, Mrs. Veronica Igwe, saw the visit of the Archbishop as an encouragement. They praised the parish priest, Fr. Izuu for his transparent leadership, describing him as a silent achiever.
Mr. Valentine Mmadubuko who represented late Josephat Mmadubuko family that sponsored the renovation of the chapel, expressed joy for the opportunity to build a house of God, describing it as a privilege that can attract endless blessings to his entire family.
