Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke appears as a shining star in a world continually engulfed by the shadows of human suffering, throwing light on a path lined with the eternal ideals of compassion and harmony. His recent action this week, engaging in hospital visitations, like the parables that resonate through the scriptures, have borne witness to the biblical injunctions to love thy neighbour and care for the sick. Archbishop Okeke, like a maestro conducting a symphony, crafted a harmonic composition of generosity that echoed through the halls of hospitals across the Onitsha Archdiocese as he celebrated his 70th birthday. He explored the panorama of human suffering as a caring Samaritan collecting the debts of people in need, drawing inspiration from the tale of the Good Samaritan. His acts mirrored the essence of Matthew 25:36, “I was sick, and you looked after me; I was in prison, and you came to visit me,” as he extended his compassion beyond the walls of churches and into the heart of the community’s health crisis.
Beyond the ceremonial vestiges of his 70th birthday anniversary, Archbishop Valerian Okeke’s visitations to Iyienu Mission Hospital, St. Charles Borromeo Hospital, and the Federal Medical Center Onitsha transcended the bounds of routine charity. These were not mere hospital visits; they were poignant reminders etched in the collective conscience that compassion is an indomitable force, indifferent to the boundaries of creed or circumstance. Accompanied by a dedicated entourage of clergy members and fortified by the collective support of the Onitsha Archdiocesan Catholic Women Organization (CWO) and Catholic Men Organization (CMO), the Archbishop embarked on a sacred pilgrimage into the heart of human suffering.
Within the sterile interiors of these hospitals, where the weight of sickness and diseases cast a heavy burden upon shoulders already weary from life’s trials, Archbishop Okeke did more than offer prayers; he became the embodiment of divine compassion responding to the silent pleas for help. The corridors, once echoing with the somber notes of suffering, now resonated with the melody of hope as the Archbishop, with grace and humility, settled hospital bills amounting to millions of Naira. In this act, he demonstrated a commitment to healing that surpassed the boundaries of conventional medicine. His benevolence was a profound acknowledgment that true healing encompasses not only the mending of physical ailments but also the alleviation of the financial and emotional burdens that accompany them.
The beneficiaries of Archbishop Valerian Okeke’s generosity were not merely patients; they were living testaments to the transformative power of compassion. Each person bore a unique narrative, facing struggles that, for a moment, became a little lighter under the weight of the Archbishop’s kindness. In settling their bills, he didn’t just alleviate a financial burden; he touched the core of their humanity, affirming that, in times of trial, they were not alone. Through his actions, Archbishop Valerian Okeke wove a fabric of empathy, where the threads of compassion intertwined with the resilience of the human spirit, creating a narrative that transcends the boundaries of religion, ethnicity, and circumstance. In settling bills for individuals from diverse backgrounds, he demonstrated that the essence of healing lies not only in physical recovery but also in the assurance that one is not alone in their journey.
This display of benevolence extends beyond hospital walls, as Archbishop Okeke sets his sights on feeding and donating money to 2300 indigents and less privileged individuals across Onitsha. His vision is not confined to immediate needs; it encompasses a broader understanding of community welfare. It is a recognition that true unity involves addressing the multifaceted aspects of well-being, from physical health to basic sustenance.
Archbishop Okeke’s commitment to community service is not a fleeting gesture but a continuum of his dedication to humanity. His birthday celebration commenced not with grandiosity but with a thanksgiving mass at the Onitsha Federal Custodial Centre. Here, he celebrated with inmates, commissioned a Skill Acquisition Centre, and earned the esteemed title of Grand Patron of Nigerian Custodial Centres.
In an era often defined by division, Archbishop Valerian Okeke is an inspiration, challenging us to rise above discord and extend a hand to those in need. His actions are not just a news headline but a resonant editorial on the enduring values of love, compassion, and unity. As we applaud this symphony of benevolence orchestrated by Archbishop Okeke, let us recognize the melody it carries—a timeless call for a world where compassion knows no borders and unity prevails over discord.
