Awka Etiti Catholic community was agog as the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace Most Rev Valerian Okeke paid a pastoral visit to St Joseph’s parish Awka Etiti
Highlights of the event included confirmation of over hundred candidates, blessing and commissioning of newly built altra modern convenience house donated by Dr. Okwy+Amaka Okpala and partners.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke charged christians to always be close to the kingdom of God by loving God and showing love to neighbours. According to him, loving our neighbours means giving helping hands to the needy and downtrodden, sacrificing for others not even related to you, sharing your wealth with those in need without being compelled to do that. He made it clear that no one can claim to love God without loving your neighbour first.
In a welcome address, the Catholic community extolled the Archbishop for visiting them, describing his visit as a mission of love. They also praised the Archbishop over his litany of achievements in the Archdiocese, including the ongoing Shanahan University project.
Responding, the Prelate commended the parish priest Fr. Paul Ihebighi for his sincere commitment towards the development of the parish, urging him not to relent. He also thanked the Parishioners for the warmth reception, enjoining them not to relent in doing good.
The parish priest Fr Paul Ihebighi in his remarks expressed unalloyed gratitude to the Archbishop for visiting, describing him as a good Chief Shepherd by every definition. He also appreciated his parishioners for their sacrifices and support, urging them to remain committed to their faith. In a special way, he poured encomiums on the donor of the convenience house Dr. Okwy + Amaka Okpala and partners for the great gesture, praying God to bless them.
The vice chairman Parish council Mr Chike Agudo Okpala and the secretary Mrs Chioma Ezeorachi in their similar remarks said they are elated over the visit of the prelate, positing that it will attract more blessings and oneness to the Catholic community. They also praised their parish priest Fr Ihebighi for hard work and commitment, describing him as a silent achiever and a goal getter.
Other parishioners who spoke to the press commended the Archbishop for visiting and as well rained accolades on Dr Okwy Okpala and family for building the new convenience house that gulped millions of naira.
(Trinitas Newspaper)
