…Learn from the Golden Couple’s Example of Love, Commitment – Bishop Ezeokafor
By Gloria Ibesi and Ebube Edieh
The air was thick with joy and love as family and friends gathered in celebration and thanksgiving to God for the gift of a blissful union and lasting marriage to Chief Louis and Lolo Theresa Ezeakunne Okoye (Okpalanduka) of Ogweni-Ojii Village, Adazi-Enu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, 24 December 2023.
A Pontifical Thanksgiving Mass presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, His Lordship, Most Rev Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, marked the beginning of the couple’s joyful Golden Jubilee Wedding Celebration.
In his homily, the Bishop proclaimed the marriage between Chief Louis and Lolo Theresa, as a model of lasting love and commitment and urged young couples to follow their example.
Bishop Ezeokafor commended the couple, who, he said, took care to lay a strong foundation for their marriage which took place in May 5, 1973, and has lasted a remarkable 50 years, as he led them in the renewal of their marital vows, offering prayers of thanksgiving for their union and asking for God’s continued blessings upon them.
The event was doubly special, as on the same day, the couple’s son, Rev Fr Chimaobi Ezeakunne Okoye, also celebrated his 10-year Priestly Anniversary.
Portraying the celebration as a moment of thanksgiving to God for His blessings on the Okoye family and honoring Him for the strength and endurance of the couple’s union, the couple’s son, Rev Fr Chimaobi Ezeakunne Okoye, stated that his parents’ life was a shining example of faith and commitment, strengthened by the hand of God.
Fr Okoye praised Bishop Ezeokafor for his presence on the occasion, describing it as a blessing to the family. He further appreciated the priests, religious and all who were present to share in their joy, even as he prayed God to grant his parents long life to see more celebrations in years to come.
Fides learnt that Chief Ezeakunne Okoye was a former catechesis and catechism instructor who later became a catechist at St Dominic’s Parish Adazi-Enu. He was also one of the champions of the fight against Osu Caste System; while his wife, Lolo Theresa, worked ardently for the Church, serving as one of the leaders of Catholic Women’s Organization.
The couple had emerged as the Ideal Couple of Neni Deanery during the Ideal Couple Contest organized by the Catholic Diocese of Awka in 2015.
The Golden Jubilee celebration also featured a warm reception at the couple’s compound in Ogweni-Ojii Village, Adazi- Enu, where the atmosphere was alive with joy and love, as the couple were celebrated in grand fashion, making the event a truly special one.
The event’s highlights included the couple’s renewal of their marital vows and exchange of rings, cutting of Golden Jubilee Cake, display by cultural groups, among others.
