… As Bishop Ezeokafor Lauds School Infrastructure, Confirms 116 Students
By Gloria Ibesi, Marcellinus Uzuanwu , Faith Ogudu, Ebube Edieh and Chinonso Samson
Rosary College, Nise wore a festive look as the School marked its Feast Day Celebration and Pastoral Visit of His Lordship, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka, on 9 December 2023. The event brought parents, teachers, students, past and present; as well as friends and supporters of the prestigious institution, together in joy.
As part of the event, the Chief Pastor of Awka Diocese blessed a Grotto of Our Lady of the Rosary built and donated to the school by Chief and Lolo Patrick Chukwudi Adilo (Udo eji eke ego na Abba). He also commissioned a road leading to the school, as well as the newly built School Gate built by Chief Dr Elochukwu Agha and Chief Clement Onyekwere (Ugegbe Anam) respectively.
Speaking during the Episcopal Mass which opened the ceremony, Bishop Ezeokafor complimented the efforts made in giving the school a pleasing appearance, describing the school environment as very inviting and one that could raise the spirit of even the most downhearted visitor.
The visibly excited Bishop commended the efforts of the school management, teachers and benefactors of the school for all their sacrifices in making the school a place of inspiration and standard centre of education.
Expressing his gratitude to the members of CWO Awka Diocese for establishing the school, Bishop Ezeokafor stated that the early effort made by them in 2006 had metamorphosed into a great institution for providing a high-quality and well-rounded education to the younger generation.
In his words of reflection, the prelate encouraged the faithful to prepare themselves for the second coming of Christ, pointing out the great significance of making adequate spiritual preparation in order to receive the Saviour in fullness.
His words: ‘We are in the season of preparations for the birth of our Saviour. Everyone should try and partake in this preparation. This preparation should be more of spiritual than physical. Surely, Christmas goes with so many worldly pursuits, even those who do not know what is going on are always involved. There is festivity, there is entertainment and so on.
‘But the truth is, Christ will come in a spiritual form; not in food and drinks or merriment. He will come to our spiritual lives; therefore, we all should endeavor to prepare more in the area of our spiritual life to be in union with God.’
The Bishop further enjoined parents not to neglect their duty of giving the children good foundational training as he stressed that without the foundational training given by parents, children could not receive all the necessary training from elsewhere. ‘It remains the responsibility of the parents to give the rudiments to the children while the teachers build on that in the school,’ the Bishop said.
The event also witnessed the administering of the Sacrament of Confirmation on 116 students of the school, where Bishop Ezeokafor emphasized that enrolling one’s child in Catholic schools was always beneficial because it ensured that things were done as and when due.
An address of welcome read by Miss Kamsiyonna Emenaka, a student of the school, on behalf of the School Management, during the reception, further enlivened the event.
In the address, the many strengths and achievements of the school, ranging from excelling in competitions, such as Sports, Spelling Bees and Singing Competitions, among others, were highlighted.
While acknowledging the generous support of benefactors and the parent-teacher-association, the school also discussed the challenges they faced, particularly regarding the lack of funds for the school’s ongoing projects, imploring everyone to continue their ‘generous donations for the school’s continued growth.’
While speaking to Fides, the Manager of the School, Rev Fr Martin Ekee, showed his excitement for the success of the event. He described the event as a day the school celebrated its Patron Saint, who, he said, was Our Lady of the Rosary. He appreciated all those who donated and worked towards the success of the event.
The School Manager during the interview pointed out that the school’s mission was moulding the young ones, both in character and in learning, to enable them to be well-rounded individuals in future. He appreciated their benefactors, who, he said, made selfless contributions for the betterment of others.
For their part, some of the benefactors who spoke to Fides said their generous donations were an act of giving back to society and also investing in the future of the country by investing in the education of the younger generation. They added that the School Management was also doing well in carrying out their duties toward the children.
The event also featured fund raising for the completion of the School Chapel/Auditorium, presentation of Awards of Meritorious and Selfless Service to the benefactors and the emeritus principal of the school, Lady Uzoamaka Ezeasor; while a contest for the new Miss Rosary College which produced Miss Bright Agiliga of Blue House as the winner, out of four other contestants, served as the perfect ending to the memorable day.
