Enugwu-Agidi Catholic Community Receives 18th Indigenous Priest

By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba

The entire faithful of Enugwu-Agidi Catholic Community, last Sunday, July 18, rolled out their drums for a reception in honour of the 18th indigenous priest of the town, Rev Fr Paschal Mmaduabuchi Okekeazi.

Fides gathered that the reception, held at St John’s Catholic Church, Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka LGA, Anambra State, was also to mark the 25-Year Priestly Anniversary of the 6th priest of the community, Rev Fr Dr Irenaeus Bernard Okonkwo.

Leading in his First Solemn Thanksgiving Mass, the new priest, Rev Fr Okekeazi, thanked God for his grace and sustenance in the course of his formation and for giving him a share in the sacred priesthood. The new priest, who also offered the Mass for the repose of the soul of his late father, Mr Christopher Okekeazi (who died before his birth), appreciated all who supported him in the course of his formation.

Rev Fr Okekeazi prayed that his ordination would bring about lasting reformation, peace and progress in Enugwu-Agidi Town.

In his remarks, the chairman, Ordination Committee, Mr Emeka Ilozor, appreciated the parish priest, St John’s Enugwu-Agidi, Rev Fr Michael-Kins Okpala, for his guidance and advice, as well as the entire parishioners, for their support which contributed to the success of the event.

The Enugwu-Agidi Catholic Community in the address of welcome signed by the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Michael-Kins Okpala and the Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Mr Peter Okoye, encouraged the new priest to be a worthy ambassador of the town, be obedient to the Church and hold on to Jesus Christ, the high priest, in order to excel in his vocation.

Fides gathered that the new priest, Fr Mmaduabuchi Okekeazi, is the last child of the six sons of his parents. He was installed a lector on December 15, 2018, installed an acolyte on December 9, 2019 and was ordained a deacon on December 19, 2020.

The new priest was ordained a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Awka by the chief shepherd of the Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka on July 17, 2021.

Presentation of car and other gifts to the new priest, presentation of gifts to the silver jubilarian, dance performance, among others, were highlights of the event.