BY SUNNY A. DAVID
Ogidi Catholic Community has celebrated one of their indigenous priests, Very Rev. Father Sabastine Emekekwue, as he marks his golden jubilee Priestly anniversary.
The thanksgiving mass heralding the memorable event was held at Our Lady of Assumption Parish Ogidi.
Rev. Father Emekekwue who is a retired Brigadier General in the Nigeria Army was ordained Priest in 1973 and his pastoral activities took him to many parts of the country and beyond, having attained the rank of Brigadier General and Director Chaplaincy services, he is also the only survivor among his contemporaries.
In his homily, a visiting priest, Rev. Father Michael Okoye encouraged Christians to hold on to God’s promises and have total trust in him and highlighted on the exemplary attributes and unprecedented achievements of the celebrant in the Pastoral Ministry, adding that Golden Jubilee is an act of gratitude to God and celebration of accomplishments.
The celebrant in an interview, appreciated God for giving him sufficient grace to serve in his vineyard while the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alex Onyido, applauded the dedication and exemplary service to God and humanity of the celebrant.
At the reception held in the celebrant’s family compound, Reverend father Emekekwue was surrounded by friends, relatives and well-wishers who came to rejoice with him, the Ogidi Catholic Community led by the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Rev. Fr. Dr. Aloysius Agba who all eulogized the celebrant’s vision and exemplary services to God.
In their good will messages, Rev. Fr. Izuchukwu Okonkwo, said that the celebrant is a true Nigerian who served across different tribes and wished him well.
Scores of relatives who spoke to our correspondent, including Dr. Paul Nwodika, Chief Emeka Agbakoba and Chief Chris Onwudiwe prayed to God to strengthen and protect the celebrant.
Presentation of gifts by various groups, anthem by the choir, cultural display by the Catholic Men Organization and Catholic Women Organization and cutting of Jubilee cake featured at the event while unveiling of one hundred and fifty-nine-page book titled “Igbandu in Igbo land” written by the celebrant climaxed the event.
