… Celebrates Silver Jubilee, as Bishop Ezeokafor Confirms 211 Faithful
By Ikeugonna Eleke
It was a triple celebration, Thursday, December 8, as Ss John and Paul Parish, Awka, Anambra State, celebrated her 25th-year Anniversary, with His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka Diocese, confirming 211 candidates of the Parish.
During the Holy Mass on Thursday, Bishop Ezeokafor in his homily, reiterated the essence of confirmation in the life of Christians. He noted that the Holy Spirit bestows gifts to Christians through the Sacrament of Confirmation; even as he also encouraged the confirmed to strive to keep the commandments of God. He prayed God to strengthen their spirits so that at the end of their lives, they could see God.
Following the Confirmation, Bishop Ezeokafor, later, on Sunday, 11th December, paid a pastoral visit to Ss John and Paul Catholic Church where he dedicated the church building.
The Church dedication was done during the Holy Mass involved the sprinkling of holy water around the church, The anointing the altar, incensing the church, and lighting of candles inside the church by the Bishop.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop thanked everyone who participated in the building of the church, (both those who have died and the living.) He exhorted the faithful to cultivate the habit of going to Church to pray.
The celebration continued with the planting of a new tree in memory of the dedication of the church.
Speaking with Fides, Very, Rev. Msgr. Luke Anameze, the Parish Priest, Ss John and Paul Catholic Church, Awka, Anambra State, described the dedication as a good thing, as, according to him, people who prayed in the church were sure to have their prayers answered.
He explained that dedication meant that the church had been consecrated, made holy and handed over to God. The event ended with a reception.
