Fides Media Living the Faith
…Turns Sod for Parish Classroom Blocks at Pastoral Visit
By Chioma Ndife
The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, His Lordship, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, has blessed the newly completed church Belfry of Annunciation Catholic Church, Awka.
The Belfry project embarked upon by the parish was blessed last Sunday, July 3rd, during the Bishop’s pastoral visit which featured the turning of the sod for classroom blocks of the parish’s nursery and primary school and administering of the sacrament of confirmation on candidates.
Leading in the Eucharist Celebration, Bishop Ezeokafor commended the oneness and spirit of brotherly love which, he said, was evident in the parish following feats attained.
He commended them for executing the Belfry project and maintained that it would rekindle their consciousness and promote active participation in the affairs of the parish.
Drawing from the scriptural reading, Bishop Ezeokafor disclosed that everyone had been called in different capacities and had the responsibility to act in accordance to their calling.
He described a Christian as a follower of Christ, saying that a Christian’s life must show the light for others to imitate and follow.
He stressed the importance of bearing good witness to Christ through one’s lifestyle and stated that a good Christian life could be laced with difficulties. He beckoned on the faithful to endure the various difficulties that came their way in life.
In his remarks, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Victor Igwegbe, commended the Bishop for coming to the parish and disclosed the unique qualities which the parish could boast of.
He disclosed that the Bishop’s visit would rekindle the zeal of parishioners towards doing more in the vineyard of Christ.
In the address of welcome that was signed by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Victor Igwegbe, and the 1st Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Ass. Prof. Philip Ilozumba, the Parish Secretary, Lady Tessy Ekezie, thanked the Bishop for performing the sod turning ceremony of the parish’s nursery and primary school classroom blocks and expressed optimism that the school would grow to enviable heights above all schools within the vicinity.
The address commended Bishop Ezeokafor for what it dubbed the gigantic strides recorded in various areas of the diocese, especially his crusade on befitting living rather than befitting burial.
The secretary through the address appreciated the senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, for her style of representation which saw the construction of two bedroom apartments for a widow in the parish.
Lady Ekezie, through the address, gave a summary of the parish’s activities and appreciated the contributions of the various priests that had served in the parish.
High points of the celebration which was chaired by High Chief and Mrs. Charles Obiekwe, were the appreciation of Senator Uche Ekwunife; debate by the pupils of Annunciation Nursery/Primary School; presentation of gifts and cultural dance performances by the Ojeligbo, among others.
