By Ononye VC
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke has urged parishioners of St Francis of Assisi Onitsha,to maintain the position of their parish which he described as an “Ideal Parish”owing to it’s relatively small size and beauty.
The Archbishop made this remark while delivering a homily in a Mass during his maiden visit to the parish on Sunday.
According to the Archbishop,the size of the parish makes it possible for the parishioners to know themselves and gives them opportunity to share their problems and other issues easily when the need arises.
He said erection of the church by Sir Francis Anyakwo has helped to decongest other bigger parishes within the city centre and also made it possible for those living close to it’s location to attend Masses without difficulty thus making the parish a community of faith and love.
The Archbishop thanked the donor of the church,Sir Francis Anyakwo for single handedly erecting and furnishing the church and handing it over to the Archdiocese of Onitsha.He prayed that God continues to bless Sir Anyakwo and family.
Chancellor of the Archdiocese Rev Fr Prudentius Aroh gave some highlights of the Archbishop’s homily urging the faithful never to overlook someone in difficulty; that God repays any good deeds; the need for having good intentions for charity adding that anyone who has Christ has everything.
It would be recalled that the church building installed with air conditioners was handed over to the church and dedicated by the Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke on 30th December 2019 in a colourful ceremony with Rev Fr Charles Onwumelu as it’s pioneer parish priest.
Responding to the Archbishop’s remarks,the incumbent Parish Priest,Rev Fr Paschal Okonkwo thanked the Archbishop for finding time to visit the parish.According to him,the Archbishop’s visit was a blessing and an encouragement to the parishioners.He eulogised the Archbishop for all his support to the parish and also thanked the donor of the church Sir Francis Anyakwo for his large heartedness.Fr Okonkwo assured the Archbishop that the parish under his watch will continue to maintain the “Ideal”position of the parish.He thanked all who attended the event.
A welcome address by the entire family of the parish where they expressed their sentiments of gratitude and goodwill to the Archbishop was read and presented to the Archbishop by the chairperson,Pastoral Visit Editorial Sub-committee Mrs Chinwe Obunse.
At the reception,the chairman,Pastoral Visit Planning Committee Hon Emeka Anyakwo read an address where he listed the needs and challenges of the parish to the guests and parishioners and called for assistance of all.
The traditional ruler of Onitsha His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe was represented by Chief Igweoba Henry Onochie.
The Mayor of Onitsha North local Government Area Hon Tony Nweze Nworah graced the ocassion.Also the President of Onitsha Improvement Union Sir Chike Ekweogwu and former Anambra State commissioner,Chief (Hon)Ugochidebelum Onukwuba were present.
The Director,CWO Archdiocese of Onitsha,Dame Dr Ngozi Nwanosike among other dignitaries also graced the ocassion.
Major highlights of the event were administering the sacrament of confirmation on 232 candidates and presentation of cultural dances.
