…Bishop urges faithful to uphold virtues of charity, unity, and steadfast Christian witnessing
By Akuma Ebere
A total of 538 parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church, Okpunoegbu, Umudim in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, were administered the Sacrament of Confirmation by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye, during his pastoral visit to the parish.
Bishop Okoye presided over the Holy Mass to mark the occasion and, in his homily, urged the people of God to “do good to everyone” and remain charitable. He admonished the confirmation candidates to abstain from all evil practices that could defile the Holy Spirit which they had received.
In a welcome address presented by the Vice Chairman of the parish on behalf of the entire Catholic community, the Bishop was warmly received as their Chief Shepherd. The Vice Chairman expressed the parish’s joy, noting that the Bishop’s visit was not only to strengthen their faith but also to empower the confirmation candidates with the inner strength of the Spirit needed to remain faithful in a challenging world.
He prayed that God would continue to strengthen the Bishop with grace as he works tirelessly in His vineyard, adding that the visit would make the parish more united in love, fruitful in faith, and alive in hope.
Speaking to newsmen, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Ephraim Madu, expressed joy over the Bishop’s visit and prayed for God’s continued wisdom upon him in piloting the affairs of the diocese. Fr. Madu explained that the parish is dominated by non-indigenes with virtually no indigene population and this affects their level of commitment, which he described as “70–30.” He, however, expressed optimism that the Bishop’s visit and sermon would inspire stronger dedication.
He encouraged parishioners to remain steadfast, reminding them that “this is their parish and their church” and that their efforts are for God, not for any individual. He urged them never to give up and prayed that God would grant Nigeria peace and economic prosperity.
In separate remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. Kelvin Ugodu, Sir/Lady Anthony Umeugoji, Mr. Aboko, Brother Emmanuel Oli, Udu Oil Global, Mr. Anthony Eze, and Mr. Igwe Hycent, all thanked the Bishop for visiting their parish and prayed for God’s continuous guidance upon him.
They expressed joy over the visit and urged the newly confirmed candidates to cherish and maintain the Holy Spirit they had received, asking God to fill them with divine light. They also commended their parish priest, describing his work as exceptional and prayed for more wisdom and understanding for him.
Highlights of the visit included the blessing of the Tabernacle, administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, homage to the Bishop and cultural displays by various groups.
