By Ononye VC
It was a real home coming for Monsignor Gabriel Onuorah to St Mary’s Parish Onitsha Inland town as a grand reception was organised for his 50th anniversary of priesthood last Sunday.
Leading his brother priests,religious and entire parishioners,the Parish Priest and Episcopal Vicar of Onitsha Region,Very Rev Fr John bosco Okafor paid glowing tribute to Monsignor Onuorah who after serving his tutleage under the first indigenous priest of Onitsha,the late Monsignor William Obeleagu succeeded him and continued with his good works in the parish long after the death of his mentor,Monsignor Obeleagu.
The Obi of Onitsha,His Majesty,Alfred Chukwuemeka Achebe(represented) and members of his cabinet were present to grace the occasion.
Various groups,the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO)were led by the Onitsha Archdiocesan Director,Dame Dr Ngozi Nwanosike,members of the CMO,the Obeleagu Women and lots more.
It was a colourful event which demonstrated the deep love,respect and reverence the priests and parishioners had for Monsignor Onuorah.
In an address presented by the Parish Council and read by the council secretary lady Veronica Ejiamike,the parish described Monsignor Gabriel Onuorah as a priest after the hearts of all and sundry in St Mary’s Parish,Onitsha.
The address went down memory lane how after succeeding Monsignor Obeleagu,Onuorah familiarised himself with Onitsha people,united families,paid visits, prayed for and reconciled many.
With his strong relationship with Onitsha people, Monsignor Onuorah attended functions in Onitsha villages and assumed the position of a family priest in Onitsha.
He was credited to many achievements like,erection of buildings,commenced the Immaculate Conception Nursery/ Primary School,erection of the Obeleagu Hall among many other projects.
The address read in part,some of his landmark achievements in St Mary’s are,
Demolition and rebuilding of the main church,relocation of the Rectory to the present site,acquiring a land for St Mary’s outstation,St Thomas Aquinas and residence of DDL sisters.
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