All the Catholic Parishes in Dunukofia region yesterday converged at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church Umudioka to celebrate the 2019 chrism mass.

The Pontifical high mass presided over by the Metropolitan and Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province ,Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, attracted Priests, Reverend Sisters from different congregations, Catechists, Clergy from sister churches, Knights and ladies of the church, among others, gather to witness the event which is part of activities marking the Easter celebration, according to catholic church calendar.

The mass featured blessing of three different oil, one for the sick, one for catechumen and the last chrism oil, which will be used for different activities of the church throughout the year .

In a homily at the mass, Most Revered Okeke said that the mass which brought all the Priests together was to show gratitude to God for his mercies upon them and to acknowledge their sacrifice in the service of God, mllk specially in mission and evangelism.

Most Reverend Okeke said that the event offers Catholic Priest opportunity to renew their vows and rededicate themselves to God.

He thanked God for the handing over of schools back to churches which he said took them over forty years to achieve, stating that it improves morals in the children ,give room for competitive and quality education which makes students from the state perform excellently during competitions.

He congratulated especially students of Regina Pacis Secondary School, Onitsha for making Africa, Nigeria and Anambra state proud.

Most Revered Okeke further spoke on Holy Eucharistic ,which he described as strength of the Christians which he said is a mystery instituted by Christ during the last supper.

In his remarks, the Episcopal Vicar of Dunukofia, Very Reverend Father Theophilus Odukwe encouraged Ndi Dunukofia region to cherish and nurture the Holy Eucharist, as the body and blood of Christ, embrace peace and live it out all the days of their lives.

Blessing of oil, Eucharistic celebration and thanksgiving, presentation of 2019 Pastoral letter, paying of homage to the Archbishop, also featured at the event.