By Nna Anulumadu
Joy rented the air last Sunday, December 3, 2023 when the Archbishop of Onitsha His grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke paid a one day pastoral visit to St Marys Parish Inland town, Onitsha.
The event attracted large number of parishioners who rolled out their drums to receive the prelate.
High point of the event was confirmation of over five hundred candidates.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke reminded Christians the essence of Advent which is all about preparation for the coming of Christ. He explained that Christ comes to us in several ways including through the Eucharist( in mystery), at death and through his birth. He urged faithful to always be prepared to meet the Lord since no one knows when He will come.
He made it clear that everybody is endowed with a certain gift, adding that it is expected that we utilize such gifts and use it to the service of God and humanity.
“Rember you must give account of every gift you were blessed with and don’t be self over it.”, he advised.
In a welcome address presented at the event, the Catholic community eulogized Archbishop Okeke for visiting them and congratulated him on his seventh birthday.
Responding, Archbishop Okeke commended the parish priest who is the vicar general Onitsha Archdiocese Very Rev Fr Dr. JohnBosco Okafor for his committed efforts in moving the parish forward. He also thanked the parishioners for responding positively towards the development of the the parish.
The parish priest Fr JohnBosco Okafor in an appreciation poured encomiums on the Archbishop over his visit, describing him as a prophetic prelate and a man of finest quality who believes that if you can will it, you can make it happen. He also thanked he parishioners for their cooperation and support, charging them not to allow themselves to be consumed by things of the world because we may not know that the Lord is close to us.
Chief Valentine Ozigbo who graced the event while fielding questions from the press, enjoined parishioners to put in practice the message of the Archbishop and be vigilant all the time.
Also, TC Chairman Onitsha North LGA Hon. Onochie Ozoma in his contribution praised the Archbishop for visiting the parish, urging parishioners to always give thanks to the Lord for good health
