By Ononye VC
It was an extraordinary day of thanksgiving and appreciation as the Parish Priest of St Jude Catholic Church,Fegge,Onitsha,Very Rev Fr Justin Oguama,priests in residence,the religious and entire parishioners rolled out drums to appreciate Very Rev Fr Dr Edwin Udoye as he celebrated his 25th priestly anniversary on Sunday.
Very Rev Fr Dr Edwin Udoye is the Onitsha Archdiocesan Director of Justice, Development,Peace and Caritas (JDPC).He was ordained Catholic Priest in 1999.
It was therefore a long and colourful day of eulogies for Fr Udoye as people from all walks of life including fellow priests besieged the church share the joy of the anniversary.
The homilist,Rev Fr Paul Ekwealor described Fr Udoye as one who was interested in the Priestly vocation at a very young age and defied all odds to attain his goal.According to him,fr Udoye while pursuing his vocation,believed seriously in his vocation and remained committed.He advised the faithful to always “take a stand”,and remain unwavering in the Catholic faith just as Fr Udoye has remained focused and was entrusted to manage the JDPC,a sensitive and important arm of the church by the Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev.Valerian Okeke.
In an address by the Parish Council of St Jude Catholic Church,Onitsha read by the Council Secretary Mrs Gloria Nwabueze,the Parish eulogized Fr Udoye,saying that his 25 years of priesthood have been one of fruitful service to God and the church,adding that the parish cannot thank him enough for his “availability and dedication” by working as a full time Vicar,celebrating masses,visiting the sick,hearing confessions and participating in all Parish affairs irrespective of being an in-house residential priest.The Parish thereafter presented him with gifts alongside other friends and well-wishers.
Fr Udoye who was visibly happy,in his remarks,thanked the Parish Priest,Rev Fr Justin Oguama and the entire parishioners for organising the anniversary.
He expressed gratitude to God,the late Archbishops Stephen Ezeanya and Albert Obiefuna as well as the incumbent Archbishop Valerian Okeke for the positive roles they played in his priesthood.
A deluge of goodwill messages came to Fr Udoye which included specifically,from the Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke,the Chancellor of the Archdiocese Very Rev Fr Dr Prudentius Emeka Aroh,Very Rev Monsignor Theo Odukwe,the Secretary to the Archbishop Rev Fr Emmanuel Onunkwo(represented the Archbishop),the Onitsha Archdiocesan Financial Administrator Rev Fr Philip Ibeneme,Rev Fr Fidelis Onwudufor,Rev Fr Aloy Osy Orakwe, a 96 year old Rev Fr Anisiobi among other clergies who were physically present.
Also,the Director of CWO, Archdiocese of Onitsha Dame Dr Ngozi Nwanosike,the Onitsha Archdiocesan CMO President Hon Evarist Uba was represented by his Secretary,Hon Casmir Izukanne, members of the religious, Knights and ladies of the church and members of the JDPC.
Some of the personalities interviewed by Trinitas who also felicitated Fr Udoye include,the JDPC chairman Dunukofia and Nnobi Regions,Mr John Iwuanyanwu and Mr Marriot Okey Chigbo.Others are,the CWO parish CWO president Mrs Esther Ogbunebe,a leading parishioner,Chief Emmanuel Odionyekachukwu,Mr Albert Okeke and Mr Calistus Ojiewulu.
Highlight on the ocassion are,cutting of the anniversary cake and cultural dances.
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