…As Over 80 Christians Receive Sacrament of Confirmation at St Peter’s Ugbene
By CP Uzoaganobi
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged the faithful to walk with Christ at all times. The Prelate gave the advice during his homily while on a pastoral visit to St Peter’s Catholic Church, Ugbene in Awka North LGA, Anambra State, on Sunday, 23 April 2023.
Bishop Ezeokafor said that walking with Christ was an act of recognizing Christ in faith which, he said, enabled the faithful to always live a good Christian life and being committed to missionary work.
His words, ‘At first, it enables us to obey the commandments of God which sums up to, love of God and love of your neighbour.
‘Knowing Christ should be inculcated in the children when they are young, especially by their parents, so as to deter them from worshiping deities that their forefathers left and converted to Christianity and also give the youth a chance of leadership, both in the Church and society. Such will enhance the growth of Christianity and quality leadership in generations to come,’ Bishop emphasized.
On the other hand, the Bishop eulogized the past and present parish priests that contributed to the ongoing constructions in the church. This is even as he urged the parishioners, both home and abroad, to always support the work of God in their parish.
At the same time, the Bishop commended High Chief Fidelis Nweke on his effort in the building of the church and Sir Emmanuel and Lady Lawrencia Okoye Mgbemfulu, represented by their brother, Mr. Chukwuma Okoye, for the grotto of Our Lady Undoer of Knots, which they erected.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Ukoh, in his remarks shortly after the Mass, thanked the Bishop for his visit to the parish after seven years, as well as the administration of the sacrament of confirmation to over 80 Catholic faithful.
The Parish Priest also sent words of appreciation to the parishioners for their continuous efforts in the church.
Speaking to Fides, the Dean of Ebenebe Deanery and Parish Priest of St Joseph’s Parish, Ebenebe, Rev Fr. Anthony Mbonu, thanked God for the efforts of the State Government on the road construction leading to the community and that of the parishioners in the church which, he said, had contributed to the growth of the parish.
The indigenous priest, Msgr. Sylvester Mgbemfulu, thanked God for the development of the community through the Church and state government, both past and present; even as he expressed joy at the visit of the Bishop of Awka Diocese.
The Bishop’s pastoral visit to St Peter’s Catholic Church, Ugbene, offered about 80 Catholic faithful the chance to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and also blessing of the grotto of Our Lady Undoer of Knots.
The reception of the Bishop took place at the parish field and at High Chief Fidelis Nweke’s residence in grand style, while the celebration was attended by a host of priests; Igwe Samson Chimakwa (Ezukwu II of Ugbene Community); the Ozor in council; friends and well-wishers.
