By Charles Igwe
The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha is set to celebrate the 70th birthday of its revered Archbishop, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, with a grand Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday, November 23, 2023.
The Archbishop’s commitment to compassion and service to the community has been evident in the series of charitable activities leading up to this milestone celebration. Notably, on October 20, 2023, Archbishop Okeke, in his customary birthday tradition, visited the Onitsha prisons, where he commissioned an ultra-modern skill acquisition center for the inmates.
In the weeks following, the Archbishop has continued his charitable endeavors, focusing on healthcare. He visited hospitals, generously covering the bills of patients who could not afford medical expenses. This week’s philanthropic efforts extend to the provision of financial assistance and food for 2300 families across the archdiocese.
The apex of this extended celebration of grace, love, and charity will be the Thanksgiving Mass scheduled for November 23, 2023. The liturgical event will take place at the Basilica Square of the Most Holy Trinity Basilica, Onitsha, commencing at 10:00 am. Archbishop Valerian Okeke will concelebrate with his fellow bishops, priests, and the lay faithful, who will gather to express gratitude to God for the 70 remarkable years of Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke.
The Thanksgiving Mass serves as a collective acknowledgment of the Archbishop’s enduring commitment to the principles of compassion, justice, and love. Friends and well-wishers from across the archdiocese will join in this joyous occasion, recognizing and appreciating the impactful legacy of Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke.
