By Nna Anulumadu
The Catholic community of Theresa’s parish 33, Mba Farm last Sunday, October 15, 2023, staged a colourful reception for the Chief Shepherd of Onitsh Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke who paid a pastoral visit to the parish.
The parish priest and the parishioners also celebrated the Archbishop who marked 70th birthday as they entertained him with melodious birthday songs.
In his Homily, Archbishop Okeke reminded faithful that God is inviting us to a joyful feast and not to suffer. According to him, life of Christians could be likened to that of a feast of joy. ” Any Christian who is not feeling happy is loosing a lot.
God is telling us that our relationship with him doesn’t bring suffering but joy.
Also, St Paul is reminding us that any suffering in our life must surely come to an end one day and moment of joy will take over.
In other words, be self contented in God no matter the circumstances like St Paul. Whether in sorrow or in merriment, hold tenaciously to Christ Jesus who can give you the grace to be self contented and once you are contented, you lack nothing..
Don’t allow ordinary engagements to take you away from Christ or deny you God’s blessings. To follow Christ is not a suffering but joy that last eternity.
Our visa to heaven is our good behaviour. If you want to go to heaven, you need to wear the garment of Charity, by being concerned to someone who is suffering and as well merry with those in joy. Show compassion to those who are suffering and assist the needy and by doing these things, you are already wearing the garment for heavenly banquet”, he advised.
In a welcome address, the Catholic community eulogized the Archbishop over his litany of accomplishments in the Archdiocese, describing him as a great achiever. They further wished him well in his birthday celebration.
The parish priest Fr Emmanuel Ndubisi ( BSS) were also commended for taking the parish to an enviable height, describing him as a hardworking priest.
The parish priest Fr Ndubisi in his remarks extolled the Archbishop for coming, describing him as caring chief Shepherd who has come to energize them spiritually. On behalf of his parishioners, he felicitated the prelate on his 70th birthday, praying God to continue to bless him abundantly with sound health.
The Parish CMO chairman Sir John Uchegbu and the vice chairman parish council, Mr Stephen Ugwu who spoke to Trinitas expressed happiness over the visit of the prelate, describing the visit as a blessing. They also commended the parish priest Fr Ndubisi for his accomplishments in the parish, describing him as a hardworking priest.
Also the parish CWO president Mrs Ada Calista Uyanna in her contribution said they are elated for the receiving the Archbishop. She also congratulated the prelate who marked his birthday, asking God to protect and keep him.
