Bishop Okpaleke pays pastoral visit to Umuchu

…Confirms 370 candidates

IT WAS a day of joy as the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, the Most Rev Peter Eberechukwu Okpaleke paid his first pastoral visit to Holy Name Catholic Church, Umuchu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

  The event began with a Holy Mass in which the bishop offered the sacrament of Confirmation on 370 candidates.

  In his homily, Bishop Okpaleke admonished the candidates to be rich in faith as people of God. He said: “Our faith is the privilege for us to make heaven. Be strong and fulfilled like soldiers of Jesus Christ. It shall be well with you in Jesus Christ.” The bishop further advised them to always remember that they received the sacrament of confirmation as they grow up, even as he expressed his thanks to their parents and those that prepared them for the sacrament. He also called on the parents to encourage the children to join pious societies.

  As the day was Father’s Sunday (Uka Nna), the bishop commended fathers and asked them to be upright.

  Appreciating the bishop for his good work in the diocese, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr John Bosco Ezekoli prayed that God should continue to bless him.

  On her part, Rev Sister Mary Florentina Onuorah expressed her joy for the diocese and the bishop and called on God’s mercy as she said: “Silver and Gold I have none, I promise my daily prayer for all.”

  In different interviews, the sponsors of those that received the sacrament of confirmation, Sir Vitus Ezechukwu and Prof Eugenia Ojioko thanked God for the day and prayed the Holy Spirit to lead the bishop in his work as the first bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

  The chairman of Catholic Men Organisation (C.M.O), Ekwulobia Diocese, Vitus Uzor, thanked God for the bishop’s visit and said that it will strengthen their weak faith.

  The chairman of the occasion, Dr Francis Uzor and the President General, Umuchu Improvement Union, Emeka Ononuju, among others, expressed their delight on the bishop’s visit and called on God to continue the good work he has started in him.

  With hearts full of joy, two of those that received the sacrament of confirmation, Chibueze Ezeuka and Divine Ezechukwu thanked God for the sacrament received and asked God to bless the bishop, Parish Priest, parents and those that prepared them.

 Highlights of the event include songs, dances, among others.