By Joseph Obunse
Sunday, 14th December 2025, will forever remain indelibly inscribed in the annals of the history of Immaculate Conception Parish Church (MCC), Woliwo, Onitsha, as a day of profound joy, spiritual renewal, and thanksgiving. On this memorable day, the parish had the rare privilege of welcoming the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, on a pastoral visit.
From the early hours of the morning, the entire parish environment was alive with excitement and high expectation as parishioners, invited guests, and well-wishers gathered in their numbers to receive the great shepherd, Most Rev Valerian Maduka Okeke, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical.The arrival of His Grace was met with resounding songs of praise, colourful cultural displays, and warm expressions of love from the faithful, an eloquent testimony of the deep bond between the Archbishop and his flock.
At the heart of the pastoral visit was a special concelebrated Holy Mass, which drew the entire parish community into a deep experience of worship and communion. During the Mass, the Archbishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 380 candidates, made up of both children and adults, who had undergone months of rigorous catechetical instruction and spiritual formation.
Parents and guardians were visibly moved as they watched their children and wards receive the sacrament. One of the parents whose child was among the flocks that received the sacrament of confirmation, Mrs. Ifunanya Okafor, expressed her feelings.
Speaking after the Mass, one of the recipients, Master Chukwudi Nnamdi, expressed his joy.
During the pastoral visit, His Grace Most Revd Maduka, also blessed the newly constructed grotto built by the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), as well as the expanded school facilities, projects that stand as visible signs of faith, sacrifice, and communal commitment to the growth of the parish.
In his address, the Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, expressed deep admiration for the unity, organisation, and spiritual maturity evident in the parish.
He also showered praises on the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Valentine Egbejiogu, commending his astuteness, diligence, and unwavering devotion to pastoral duties.
Visibly filled with gratitude, the parish priest Rev. Fr. Egbejiogu, thanked God for his awesome grace that sustained him and the success of the great pastoral visit. He vouched for his loyalty and love for the Archbishop, the pastoral building committee, and the parishioners for the synergy existing between them.
A touching moment during the Mass was the presentation of gifts to the Archbishop by the parish, including offerings from the congregation as a sign of love, gratitude, and filial loyalty.
In an interview, the Catechist, Mr John Odonyekachukwu, the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Dimba Kelvin and the Chairman of the Building Committee, Nze Christopher Dim, expressed heartfelt appreciation to God for the successful pastoral visit and thanked the Archbishop for his prayers and blessings.
The presentation of gifts to the Archbishop and his fatherly blessings in return, special prayers, blessings, and words of encouragement offered by His Grace to the teachers of Twelve Stars of Mary International School, formed the highlights.
The pastoral visit was indeed a grand celebration of faith, unity, and progress; an unforgettable encounter that has left a lasting imprint on the hearts of the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Parish, MCC Woliwo, and strengthened their resolve to continue walking together as one family in Christ.
Joseph is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
