By David Okpala/Stella Okpala
The Catholic Bishop, Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, has identified concerted evangelism as requisite to checking idolatry surge ravaging youths of the society.
He said this in a homily during Mass in an episcopal visit of Akpo Deanery, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Akpo, in Aguata LGA, on October 12.
The Bishop said, “Evangelism is a directive from God to every Christian irrespective of age, status or position. It is everybody’s business with everyone of us having something to contribute. The blessings are equal to the one that brought money, and to the one the money took to a place to evangelize.
“The reason why idolatry is pushing up is that Christians are sleeping. We need to wake up and pray, prayer is part of it. Idolatry is an ill wind that blows no man any good. Let us rise to it in our immediate families as we make our children appreciate prayers, hard work and total dependence on God.”
About 265 young Catholic faithful were administered Sacrament of Confirmation.
Admonishing them, the cardinal said, “You passed through trainings to getting qualified for this sacrament being received today. Some people who started this journey with you did not make it up to this point as a result of disobedience, negligence or laziness. This goes to establish that anything you wish to be in life, you need to work for it.
“Do not fall to cheap propaganda of get rich quick syndrome(Ego Mbute), it is the greatest fallacy of this millennium. For anything to become yours, you must work for it and God hands it over to you. There is no shortcut to success but failure.
“The sacrament of confirmation has made you Catholics all through your lives except if you decide otherwise. Keep this faith as you adhere to instructions given to you in preparation to attaining this religious status.
“Your parents have toiled all night and day to bringing you up to this level. Honour them as you keep their directives. Be proud of your parents irrespective of their condition of health at any point in time. You need blessings of their mouth to making it in life.”
Those confirmed who spoke with information officers include Onyedikachukwu Umeh, Mmaduabuchi Ejimnaka, Chidiebube Ndike, Chinelo Nweze, Chidimma Okpalaunozo. In their separate speeches, they expressed joy attaining new status in the Catholic faith, and promised going to be Christ ambassadors wherever they see themselves in life.
The visit featured presence of Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia Clergies. Prominent among them include Vicar General, Ekwulobia Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Chiegboka, Episcopal Vicar of Igboukwu, Rev. Fr. Charles Umeoji and Chancellor Ekwulobia Diocese, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo.
David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
