The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, presided over a plenary thanksgiving Mass on Thursday at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha. The Mass marked the resumption of duties by priests of the Archdiocese after the Christmas and New Year holidays.
From as early as 9 a.m., dozens of priests from various parishes and institutions across the Archdiocese gathered for the celebration. In his opening remarks, Archbishop Okeke expressed profound gratitude to the priests for their dedication and accomplishments in the past year. He also thanked God for the gift of the priesthood and the numerous blessings bestowed on the faithful.
“It is fitting to thank God for His blessings in the past year and to entrust this new year into His hands,” the Archbishop said. He prayed for divine guidance, committing families, friends, and parishioners to God’s care while seeking grace for all in the coming year.
A Call to Renewal
During his homily, Archbishop Okeke congratulated priests celebrating their silver and golden jubilees this year. He urged all priests to embrace 2025 as a year of repentance, prayer, and renewed commitment to leading the faithful closer to God.
The Archbishop condemned the increasing cases of abduction targeting priests and religious personnel. Expressing hope for improved security, he said, “Nothing is impossible with God.” He also called for order and responsibility within the clergy, cautioning against recklessness and disorderly conduct.
Reflecting on the Church’s declaration of 2025 as the “Jubilee Year of Hope,” Archbishop Okeke encouraged the priests to embrace faith and remain devoted, assuring them that, “If we have faith, we will see the glory of God.”
