By Obianuju Azukaego
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has confirmed no fewer than 190 young Catholics of St. Francis’ Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area(LGA) of Anambra State, urging them and the entire faithful to embrace generosity and extend love to the less privileged.
Delivering his homily during the Pontifical Holy Mass on August 2, Bishop Ezeokafor advice christians to cultivate the virtue of giving, assuring them that God never abandons those who give cheerfully and selflessly.
Drawing inspiration from the miraculous feeding of over 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish, as well as the biblical account of Prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, the bishop said God’s blessings and provision abound for those who willingly share what they have with others.
He encouraged the faithful to remain content with what they have, place their trust in God and continue to live lives marked by faith, charity and compassion.
The prelate expressed satisfaction with the steady spiritual growth of St. Francis’ Catholic Church, commending the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Val Uzozie, and his Vicar, Rev. Fr. Paschal Omaga, for their dedication to pastoral service and commitment to the growth of the parish.
Bishop Ezeokafor praised the parishioners for their unwavering support and active participation in the church’s spiritual and developmental activities, describing the large number of newly confirmed Catholics as a promising sign for the future of the Church.
He prayed that the graces received during the confirmation and the fruits of his pastoral visit would continue to manifest in the lives of the faithful and strengthen the parish community.
During a reception held in his honour, the parishioners expressed gratitude to the bishop for his fatherly care and pastoral leadership, highlighting the remarkable spiritual and infrastructural progress recorded in the parish under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Peter Val Uzozie and Rev. Fr. Paschal Omaga.
The reception was chaired by an illustrious son of Enugwu-Ukwu, Sir Charles Omalu, while parishioners gave the bishop a warm and enthusiastic welcome.
Among the dignitaries who accompanied the bishop were the Chancellor of Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi; the Diocesan Education Secretary, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okonkwo; the Dean of Enugwu-Ukwu Deanery and Chief Chaplain of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Okafor; the Director of Holy Family Spiritual Year Seminary, Okpuno, Rev. Fr. Paul Mary Chukwukebe; the Diocesan Bursar, Rev. Fr. Nicodemus Izuchukwu; and an illustrious son of Enugwu-Ukwu, Hon. Dr. Dozie Nwankwo, who was represented by his aide, Hon. Martin Dike, alongside other invited guests.
Obianuju Azukaego is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
