Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha Holds Singing Competition

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Anambra State, recently organized a singing competition for choirs in the Archdiocese in memory of the late Chief James Ezekwudo, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The singing competition was sponsored by Dr Emeka Ezekwudo, the son of the late Chief James Ezekwudo.

Speaking on the essence of the exercise, Dr Ezekwudo noted that his father was one of the patrons of the All Saints Catholic Church choir until his death.

Ezekwudo explained that the event was aimed at creating an opportunity for choirs in the Archdiocese to learn new difficult anthems and chants.

‘Our late father is a prominent Patron of the diocese who was always available for church activities, especially with the choirs. He was indeed a notable patron.

‘The first stage of the competition was held on October 7, 2023, at different deaneries of the Archdiocese for grades A, B, and C. Three among the choirs were chosen for the next round scheduled for October 21.

‘The competition is a special one in the sense that the Archdiocese wants to use the opportunity to challenge choirs in the Archdiocese to learn difficult new anthems and chants for the Church,’ he said.

Rev. Fr. Jude Orakwe, Chairman of the Archdiocesan Music Commission (AMC), thanked the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Dr. Valerian Okeke, for his support to the competition.

Fr. Orakwe, who led the committee for the competition, further commended Ezekwudo family for organizing the event in memory of their late father.

‘Each stage of the competition represents a bundle of prayers from all of us to God in unison for his continuous peaceful repose.

‘I believe the Angels will also chorus Amen at the very end of our heartfelt prayers in heaven,’ he said.