By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Ebele Okpaleke, brought the joy of Christmas to the elderly priests at the Priest Welfare Home to mark their 10th anniversary. The occasion began with a Holy Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Awka, and later climaxed with a grand Christmas party featuring thrilling and eye-catching performances, the presentation of gifts, including a brand-new Sienna car, and merriment at the Priest Welfare Home in Awka.
The Cardinal noted that the welfare home is a residence for retired priests and those who, for one reason or another, wish to live there. He said that every year, the joy of Christmas is extended to them. “We celebrate Christmas with them, which is also an opportunity for people to come around them to thank God for their lives and for the services they have rendered as priests to the Catholic world and to humanity.
It is also a way to appreciate their services. “I pray God to continue to bless them and strengthen them even in their weakness. Young people are always encouraged to look up to the old people, the physically challenged, or people with different challenges, first to thank God that they are still strong and then to grow in hope that God’s willing, one day they will also be aged and retired to worship God in hope and faith”.
Cardinal Okpaleke urged everyone to continue to take the country’s challenges to God in prayer as they celebrate the Christmas season, which is always a period of peace.
On his part, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, acknowledged the privilege God gave to everyone who is alive today to witness the celebration and the last month of the year, despite the challenges in the country. He noted that not everyone who began the year with them is still alive now. “But for us who are still alive, it is to thank God because there is nothing remarkable we have done if not for his grace.
“Let us bear in mind that as we enjoy God’s privilege of being alive, we are confronted with many responsibilities. I pray that this privilege given to us will be utilised in working for the growth, peace and unity of our church, state and country for a better society tomorrow,” he said.
The prelate thanked everyone who work in the Priest Welfare Home and those who contributed their heartfelt support toward ensuring an exciting Christmas celebration, praying God’s abundant blessings and favour upon them.
The National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) party, Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, pointed out that the homily of the Holy Mass explained extensively the roles expected of Catholic faithful toward their priests, saying that it has been his personal apostolate since he was little.
He went further to testify to the miracle his party received from the prayers of the elderly priests and their congratulatory messages to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his landslide victory during the Governorship election. He, then, presented a gift of a Sienna car to the Home to ease their transportation challenges.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Diocesan Priest Welfare Home, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uduh, welcomed everyone to the occasion. He thanked God Almighty for yet another year of Christmas. “Today’s event is specially unique and remarkable because it marks the 10th anniversary of the existence of the home and it also holds a special significance for us all because it is a home for our elderly priests.
“We are all blessed to be here to continue and sustain a culture not alien to us, and that is the Christmas with our elderly priests. We have some retired and resident in this home, and others retired and still in residence in some parishes,” he added.
Rev. Uduh appealed to the State Government to come to their rescue regarding the erosion menace ravaging behind and under the foundation of the building. “The home is also in need of a solar power system.”
The occasion also had in attendance priests from Awka and Ekwulobia Dioceses; Reverend Sisters from various Congregations; Government Dignitaries; and Religious Societies from both Dioceses.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
