Over 200 candidates confirmed
By Nna Anulumadu
The catholic Community of St Mary’s Parish Inland town Onitsha last Sunday, December 8th, 2024 rolled out their drums to receive the chief Shepherd of Onitsha Archdiocese His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke who paid a one day pastoral visit to the Parish.
The spectacular event witnessed confirmation of over two hundred candidates.
In his homily , Archbishop Okeke enjoined Christians to transform their lives through total and sincere repentance.
He explained that any Christian who transforms their life through repentance will have their fortunes reversed by God. He also charged Christians to always distribute love and justice, and be kind to others, assuring that those who practice these virtues will continue to enjoy and witness God’s blessings, favors, and assistance.
“Strive always to sustain the spirit of God in us, as no one can imprison the spirit of God in our lives. Also, help those in need, especially those who are less fortunate than you,” he said.
Describing the Advent season as a period of great expectations, the prelate reminded Christians that Christ comes to us every day through the sacraments of the Church, charging them to open their hearts and receive Him through repentance.
In welcome address, the Parish expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for paying them a visit. They also praised the prelate over his litany of achievements including the newly established Shanahan University, testifying that his leadership is transforming lives.
Others commended in the address are the immediate past parish priest Very Rev Fr John Bosco Okafor and his successor Fr Samuel Uzondu for their various contributions to the growth of the Parish .
The parish priest Fr Uzondu in his remarks, expressed unalloyed gratitude to the Archbishop for visiting, describing it as a huge blessings. He thanked the Parishioners for their cooperation and support that made the event a huge success.
Mrs Ezinne Patricia Onwuegbuna Parish CWO president and her secretary Mrs Assumpta Okosi Udemezue in their contributions
thanked the Archbishop for visiting them. They urged those who received sacrament of confirmation to live an exemplary life worthy of the sacrament.
