By Osegbue Patricia
The Laity Council of the Onitsha Episcopal Region has marked its 30th anniversary with a thanksgiving Mass and awards ceremony, honouring members whose dedication and service have contributed to the growth of the council and the Catholic Church.
The celebration, held on Aug. 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Inland Town, Onitsha, brought together Catholic faithful, past and present council officials, patrons, patronesses and other members to commemorate three decades of service and commitment.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of meritorious awards to former council officialsy, alongside the conferment of patron and patroness titles on selected past and present members in recognition of their contributions to the development of the council in the Onitsha Episcopal Region.
The event began with a Holy Mass presided over by the Parish Priest and Chaplain of the Laity Council, Rev. Fr. Samuel Uzondu.
In his homily, Fr. Uzondu emphasised the importance of prayer and unwavering faith in God, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their spiritual lives.
Reflecting on Matthew 14:22–33, where Jesus withdrew to pray, he noted that prayer was essential even in the life of Christ, encouraging the faithful to make it a constant part of their lives.
He assured the congregation that God remains present in every circumstance, urging them to entrust their families, workplaces and businesses to God through prayer. He also encouraged members to support the Church and contribute to its growth.
Speaking with the Information Officer after the Mass, the Regional President of the Laity Council, Mr. Ben Chikezie, described the laity as baptised Catholics who are not ordained and who constitute the majority of the Church.
He explained that the council brings together members from different societies and groups within the Church to support evangelisation and contribute to the development of the Church at the grassroots.
Chikezie expressed delight at the 30th anniversary celebration, particularly the recognition given to members who had contributed to the council’s progress over the years.
He, however, identified lack of permanent membership as one of the challenges facing the council, noting that members are drawn from different societies and groups, which can sometimes affect continuity and unity.
He congratulated the award recipients, expressing gratitude for the recognition bestowed on members who had served the council.
One of the honourees, Mr. Eugene Mary Obiudu, who received both a meritorious award and the award of patron, described the recognition as a source of joy and a renewed call to service.
Obiudu said the honour had strengthened his resolve to continue supporting the Laity Council and serving God with greater dedication.
“It is a call to serve, be dedicated and committed in the service of God,” he said.
He urged other members to remain faithful and committed to the work of God, stressing that service to the church should be carried out with sincerity and dedication.
The anniversary celebration ended with prayers and renewed commitment by members to strengthen the council’s contribution to the spiritual and institutional growth of the Catholic Church in the Onitsha Episcopal Region.
Osegbue Patricia is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Onitsha North
