…As 70 Catholic Faithful Obtain Sacrament of Confirmation at St Peter’s Nri
By CP Uzoaganobi
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged the Catholic faithful to desist from neo-paganism, as such did not affirms their belief and faith in one God.
The Bishop made this exhortation in his homily, while on a pastoral visit to St Pater’s Catholic Church, Nri, on Good Shepherd Sunday, April 30, 2023.
He stated that as Christ died for man’s salvation, Christians must believe in God at all times despite the consequences or challenges which depicted Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. The Bishop warned against being Christian when it was convenient and pagan at the onset of challenges, noting that such did not make one a good Christian.
He said there was a difference between tradition and idol worship, noting that the Catholic Church was not against tradition or even the traditional titles involved, but only insisting that titles must be acquired in accordance with Catholic doctrine.
‘The Bishop’s pastoral visit to a parish offers a chance of interaction between the Bishop and parishioners concerning the parish’s wellbeing and challenges from which solutions are proffered,’ Bishop Ezeokafor emphasized.
During the Pontifical Mass, Bishop Ezeokafor administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 70 Catholic faithful. Thereafter, the newly built Crib of Jesus Christ by Lady Cordelia Uboma, who was represented by Chief Pascale Okeke-Oraeki, was blessed by Bishop Ezeokafor.
The Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Dr. Polycarp Obikwelu, expressed joy at the Bishop’s presence in the parish, noting that he not only visited but supported the parish; even as he also said that the parish supported the Bishop in his missionary work. He said the Bishop’s visit to the parish, especially his homily, had lifted their faith.
Speaking to Fides, the former Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Damian Obioma Okeke, disclosed that the parishioners were well to do in their Christian faith and that the Bishop’s visit to the parish would bear fruit in the community.
Later at a reception held for the Bishop, he was commended for his recent youth empowerment to mark his 70th Birthday Anniversary and his efforts towards the actualization of Peter University, Achina-Onneh. It was followed by presentation of gifts and entertainments.
The Bishop was accompanied on the pastoral visit by the Chancellor, Rev Fr. Charles Ndubisi, as well as some indigenous priests, among whom were the Fides Director, Rev Fr. Robert Anagboso; Dean of Agulu Deanery, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Anekee; Assistant Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Christian Ononiba and other dignitaries.
