By Blessing Nebo and Jesicca Akabueze
The Morning Star Block Rosary of Holy Family Spiritual Year Quarters Okpuno had marks the feast of Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15, 2025.
The celebration was graced by notable dignitaries, including: His Lordship Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese; Rev. Fr. Paul Chukwukebe, Rector of Holy Family Spiritual Year Seminary, Okpuno; Rev. Sr. Mary-Alberta, the elder sister of Rev. Fr. Paul Chukwukebe; Mr. Nweke Michael, Chairman of the occasion; Mr. Leonard Ozor, Father of the Day; Ms. Amuche Ezeokafor, Mother of the Day
The presence of the guests contributed to the solemnity and joy of the occasion which served not only as a spiritual celebration but also as an opportunity to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The event began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Fr. Chukwukebe, followed by blessing of the kola-nut by Bishop Ezeokafor.
A welcome song was rendered by the children of the Morning Star Block Rosary.
Mr. Michael Nweke delivered the formal address of welcome. He warmly greeted His Lordship and all invited guests, commending the children for their dedication and encouraging them to maintain what he described as their commendable efforts.
Miss Michael Chinwendu also presented a welcome speech, expressing gratitude to all attendees for honouring the invitation. She particularly thanked Bishop Ezeokafor for what she described as his consistent acts of kindness toward the children.
In her words: ‘Thank you, Bishop, for your love for us. You always give us biscuits on daily basis.’
She concluded by extending her appreciation to Rev. Father Chukwukebe for always celebrating Christmas and New Year with them and also taking them out for shopping. She prayed God to grant everyone present journey mercies.
Bible quotations were said by Chiemerie Michael and Paul Ezeokafor. The Bishop blessed the new statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Crucifix.
Morning Star Block Rosary Centre, Okpuno, presented a gift to the Bishop to support the less privileged in the society.
Bishop Ezeokafor in his remarks commended the outstanding performances of the children, noting that in his more than 18 years of staying in Okpuno, he had not witnessed such an event.
He praised the Morning Star Block Rosary Centre for their dedication in hosting the Feast of the Assumption and for what he described their charitable efforts.
Bishop Ezeokafor expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of the children and organizers and commended the children for their participation, urging them to continue being useful to themselves and to the wider community.
He lauded what he noted as their act of kindness in extending support to the less privileged, noting that such generosity was exemplary.
Donations were made by all guests, with the Bishop promising to contribute a cupboard for storing the praying items.
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude from the children.