Fides Media Living the Faith
By Chioma Ndife
The Christmas of 2021 was made memorable for over 600 children of St. Theresa’s Parish, Isuofia, Aguata LGA, Anambra State, as the parish hosted the children of the parish and others in the environs in Christmas Party which was said to be striking.
Leading in the concelebrated Holy Mass to mark the event, the Parish Priest, St Theresa’s Parish, Isuofia, Rev Fr Festus Okoye, explained that the pay was organized to bring the children together, for them to share in the joy of the birthday of Jesus Christ.
He maintained that celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ would enable the children understand the true meaning of Christmas, and teach them the need to share their resources with others they might be better than.
The parish priest noted that the Christmas party would also instill faith in the children for them to begin to see Jesus as their savior and provider.
Fr Okoye appreciated the family of Sir and Lady Uchenna Obiakor who he said sponsored the Children’s Christmas Party as well as others who supported the celebration for their goodwill. He prayed for God’s blessings upon them.
The priest beckoned on parents and guardians of the children to always lay good foundation for them as well as engage their wards in activities that would promote humanity and society.
He observed that when children were properly channeled in the right direction, they would better individuals in future.
The parish priest who also spoke on the importance of love and prayer, tasked all on life of brotherly love, truth and prayer.
In his vote of thanks, Fr. Okoye appreciated, Reverend Sisters, children and their parents who participated in the Mass. He disclosed his intention to sponsor those who wished to go into priestly or religious vocations, but lacked the means to actualize their dreams.
Delivering the homily, the Parish Vicar, St Theresa’s Parish, Isuofia, Rev Fr. Richard Anigbogu (SMMM) called on all to repent from their sins and forgive one another, as it would bring about true worship of God.
‘God sent his beloved son into the world because of his love to save mankind and to bring light where there is darkness. I pray that the birth of Jesus Christ will bring us peace and love in our various homes and Country at large’ he noted.
Speaking to Fides, Sr. Maria Kenenna Osiaku advised the children to always be focused in the things that pleased God. She prayed for God’s blessings upon their lives and academics.
For her part, one of the animators of Holy Childhood Association, Mrs. Uche Ezeagwuna, while encouraging parents to devote more time for their children’s effective formation, said that training of children was a difficult task. She urged them to depend on the Blessed Virgin Mary and Holy Spirit for the task to become an easy one. Mrs Ezeagwuna advised the children to be closer to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, so as to succeed in life.
One of the children who participated in the Christmas fun fair, Little Miss Chinwendu Okafor, expressed happiness on the success of the event. She appreciated the parish priest for his love towards the children, and prayed for God’s blessings on their coordinators.
Highlights of the event included rendition of Christmas carol, drama, dance and picking of fruits.