By Jude Michael
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, was August 11, welcomed by St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Chaplaincy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
His visit which was part of the tradition and function of the chief shepherd, was graced by priests and religious, government officials, academia, NFCSers and the entire lay faithful of the Chaplaincy. Welcomed by the Chaplain of the chaplaincy, Rev. Fr Remigius Ezeokonkwo, his lordship, expressed delight to be in the midst of the Catholic Community, noting that the Chaplaincy had grown both in spirit and structure since he last visited.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the need for Catholics to continually long for the body of Christ, which, according to him, was a place where Christians gathered their spiritual strength. He also admonished the lay faithful to always visit the Blessed Sacrament.
While he enlightened the Chaplaincy on the reason for the pastoral visit, the Chief Shepherd also proffered solutions to some of the problems bedeviling the chaplaincy. In his remarks to the newly confirmed Catholics, he charged them to always be strengthened by the sacrament which they received, even as he urged the lay faithful to use the medium to also renew their faith in Christ.
The Bishop also appreciated the contributions of the parishioners towards the building of the Father’s Rectory, just as he confirmed that the 9-flat Rectory was instructive, given to Awka being a city centre and the Catholic Church, within the state. He noted that it would reduce the challenges of accommodation for students and visiting priests.
The pastoral visit which was chaired by Secretary to the State Government of Anambra State, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, featured the opening and blessing of the Father’s Rectory, strengthening in faith of 273 lay faithful and contributions for the growth of the Chaplaincy and the Diocese in general.
Prominent persons at the event included the Ag. Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor; Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi. The event had the blessing of Fr’s Rectory, cultural displays, drama, song rendition and gift presentations, as some of the major highlights.
