Fides Media Living the Faith
….Inaugurates Bishop Ezeokafor Music Academy & Old Boys/Girls Association
….Blesses School Building and Music Studio
By Adejumoke Alebiosu and Isdore C. Ndubuisi
One of the Mission schools of the Catholic Church, St Patrick’s College, Awka, Awka South LGA, Anambra State, has celebrated the 2022 Feast Day of St. Patrick’s, the patron saint of the college. The event took place on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka.
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese and Proprietor, St. Patrick’s College, Awka, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus C . Ezeokafor, who was the chief celebrant at the mass, during his homily urged the people of God to use the period of lent to reflect and change from old ways that did not suggest Godliness.
‘God doesn’t derive pleasure in the destruction of sinners, but that they may repent. Nonetheless we must answer to our deeds. But in all, everything happens for the name of God to be glorified,’ he said.
While admonishing the Management, members of staff and students of the college, the proprietor told the faithful that it was time to rethink what they did, even as he thanked God for a dream come true for the college.
‘We anticipate the college to continue to produce more fruits, ‘ Bishop Ezeokafor said.
The Catholic prelate also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 145 students of the college.
Fides recalls that the college, which is the brain child of the Awka Diocesan Bishop, was inaugurated on Monday, 14 September 2015.
The college also unveiled the its music academy known as Bishop P.C. Ezeokafor Music Academy, just as Bishop Ezeokafor encouraged students to use the opportunity to build their talents. He enjoined the inaugurated Old Boys/Girls Association to remember the college and what they would do for it.
The prelate appreciated teachers too for their roles in instilling what he termed a solid foundation for the school and implored the student to study well.
‘You have to be disciplined. I also appreciate winners in the just concluded Mathematics and Science Competitions at Unizik. Students, listen to your teachers,’ Bishop Ezeokafor advised.
‘Our target is not what we want to gain from the school but to have a befitting structure and conducive environment for learning. Therefore we appreciate parents for reposing their trust in the school and teachers, as well as the Management,’ he said.
Speaking to Fides Fr Celestine Anaekwe, Manager/Principal, St Patrick’s College, expressed joy to have finally achieved his aim of launching the music academy which journey started in 2018.
‘I know that the orchestra group will provide great opportunities to the students, now and later in future. We started putting them together in 2018, despite doubts as to whether it would succeed or not,’ he said.
Explaining the reason for naming the group after the Bishop, Fr Anaekwe said it was just to appreciate the Bishop for erecting the magnificent building for the school.
‘When I got to this school, I was happy at the magnificent building. To appreciate the Bishop, we decided to name the orchestra group after him. As the orchestra group will be great, we decided to associate his name with greatness,’ Fr Anaekwe said.
An award was presented to Mr Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, who was represented by Mr Val Obienyem, to appreciate him for the provision of computers for the computer laboratory.
Highlights of the event included the inauguration of the Old Boys/Girls Association, presentation of the best graduating students, blessing of the school building/Music studio, unveiling of the orchestra group and confirmation of candidates.
