…Blesses Dedication Tree, Calvary Cross, Church, Pillars of Church Development, Apostles of Church Development Plaques
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
History was made on Sunday, 19th April, 2026, as the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, dedicated St. Martin’s Hilltop Parish, Abagana, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He warned the parishioners not to use the church as a place where un-Christ-like activities would be carried out, saying that once dedicated, the building should no longer be used for frivolous events. He charged them to keep the Church building and the environment clean and holy, reminding them of the sacredness of God’s dwelling abode.
Delivering a homily which preceded the dedication, the Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Awka thanked God for the gift of motherhood, noting that Motherhood was based on Mother Mary, even as he prayed God to bless all the responsible mothers and prospective mothers.
Bishop Ezeokafor charged the mothers to be alive to their responsibilities, knowing their roles in their families’ lives in raising godly children, emphasizing that the children should be given enough parental guidance and care. He added that many parents now hinged the fates of their wards on the mercy of outsiders.
‘They should train their children for their own good and that of society. Spiritual training is very good and crucial. It is very important. Mothers are people’s wives and should take care of their husbands. Humble and obedient to their husbands. Men remain the head of the family, and they should be respected.
Appreciating the Bishop, the Parish Priest of St. Martin’s Hilltop, Parish, Reverend Father Anthony Mmoh, described Bishop Ezeokafor as a caring and supportive leader whom they could not thank enough.
The Parish Priest equally thanked the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi; the Vicar, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ezeani; Dean Abagana Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Hilary O. Ben-Ezenwa; the Episcopal Vicar, Rev. Fr. Shedrack Anunwa; and all others who supported in one way or the other in ensuring the success of the dedication.
In their separate speeches, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Mike Okonkwo; Father of the Day, Chief and logo Kenneth Muogbana and Chief Paul Umeadi, Mother of Lady Felicia Anene and Dr Mrs Ngozi Evenly Nwafor, Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Honourable Oraka John showered praises on Bishop Ezeokafor, stating that his administrative acumen had solidified the Diocese and as well placed it on the path of progress, even as they called on all lovers of Christ and His Church to keep support the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The event attracted Priests, consecrated men and ladies, laity, friends, and well-wishers, titled men and women and government officials,
Blessing of the dedication tree, Calvary Cross, Church, Pillars of Church development, apostles of Church development plaques formed the highpoints of the occasion. Cultural displays, speeches, awards presentations, eulogies, appreciation and fundraising formed the highpoints of the event.
