By Nkiru Anakor
St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aguluezechukwu, was filled with joy and thanksgiving on July 5, as the parish welcomed His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, for a pastoral visit highlighted by the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 157 candidates.
The visit commenced with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by Cardinal Okpaleke, who was warmly received by the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Muonwe, alongside parishioners and other faithful.
During the Eucharistic celebration, the Cardinal administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 157 candidates, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and committed to Christian values.
In his homily, Cardinal Okpaleke reminded the faithful that every christian is called to holiness, stressing that sainthood is achieved through a life modelled after Jesus Christ and sustained by sincere repentance through the sacrament of reconciliation whenever one falls into sin.
He cautioned the newly confirmed candidates against adopting an “I have arrived” mentality, encouraging them instead to remain spiritually active by joining pious societies and participating fully in the life of the church to strengthen their faith.
A reception followed the Mass, with Ichie Paul Ezekeke, JP, serving as chairman of the occasion, while His Royal Highness, Igwe Felix Ebelendu (Igwe Nnanyelugo of Aguluezechukwu), performed the traditional kola nut ceremony.
Earlier, the Parish Pastoral Council Secretary, Mrs. Ogechukwu Nwaka, delivered the welcome address. Guests were later treated to colourful cultural displays, including performances by the Odeziri Igbo Cultural Dance group, the Block Rosary Dance troupe and the band of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
The pastoral visit ended in an atmosphere of joy, unity and thanksgiving, with parishioners reaffirming their commitment to the Catholic faith and the mission of the Church.
Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
