- Prelate commends parishioners for erecting a new Mass center
- 334 candidates confirmed
By Nna Anulumadu
The parishioners of St Mary parish Nnokwa last Sunday, August 11th 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 334 candidates .
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke charged faithful not to allow earthly desires to shatter their faith, stating that no matter your circumstances, don’t backslide because God cannot abandon you. ” Don’t be mean with your wealth or talent. Show love to others and be a blessing to them and by doing so, God blessings and favour will never elude you”.
The prelate also advised faithful not to play with the Holy Communication because it is the living Christ, explaining that christians should accord full rest and hour to the blessed sacrament.
In an address shortly after the Mass, the Catholic community rained accolades on the Archbishop for finding time to visit them, describing him as a good Chief Shepherd by every definition. They also extolled the Archbishop over his giant strides in the Archdiocese, identifying Shanahan University project as latest achievement that will give light to our society.
Responding, Archbishop Valerian Okeke commended the parish priest who is also the Episcopal Vicar Nnobi region Very Rev Fr Johbosco Ezika for his commitment and hard work which is reflecting both in the parish and in Nnobi region. He also appreciated the parishioners for their show of faith and for the rousing reception staged in his honour, charging them not to relent in their good works.
Meanwhile the Archbishop later visited a new newly built mass center within the Catholic community, expressing satisfaction over the project.
The parish priest Fr Johbosco Ezika in his remarks praised the Archbishop for extending his visit to their parish, positing that his coming has strengthened the faith of the parishioners. He commended his parishioners for their support and sacrifices that made the event a huge success, urging them not loose hope in God no matter the circumstances .
The pastoral visit committee chairman, Sir Paulinus Ibekwe, the vice chairman Parish council Charles Mbakiwe and Mr Victor Eze in their similar remarks expressed great joy over the visit, asserting that it will attract more blessings to the community. They also praised the parish priest Fr Ezika for moving their parish to a higher level through his developmental projects.
