A special holy mass has been held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Nnokwa, Idemili South Local Government Area, to mark the golden priestly jubilee of veteran educationist and Catholic Priest, Very Reverend Monsignor Professor Johnpaul Chukwuemeka Nzomiwu.
The veteran Catholic Priest, the only surviving son of his parents, is the third priest to celebrate golden jubilee in Idemili North and South and is also the first indigenous Nnokwa Priest to celebrate the great anniversary since 1953 when the first indigenous priest of Nnokwa, Late Archbishop Stephen Ezeanya was ordained.
Very Reverend Monsignor Nzomiwu was ordained a Catholic priest on the 19th of April, 1970.
In a homily at the holy mass, the Vicar General, Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Reverend Father Professor Anthony Chiegboka, thanked God for the life of the celebrant, stating that he is a true Priest of God and a seasoned educationist who devoted all his life to ministrial call.
Speaking shortly after the mass, the celebrant Very Reverend Monsignor Professor Nzomiwu, said that he felt humbled and honored, recalling how his journey to priesthood began and appreciated God for finding him worthy to serve in his vineyard.
Father Nzomiwu also noted that the journey to priesthood is an interesting one, advising younger priests to be more committed as they are representing the image of Christ.
In a congratulatory message of the parish read by the Secretary of the event’s Planning Committee, Mrs Edith Idemili, said that within the fifty years of his priestly journey, Monsignor Nzomiwu has impacted so many lives positively, influencing pastoral choices of young parishioners who are going into priestly vocation.
In their separate remarks, some stakeholders in Nnokwa Community, including, the President General,  Nnokwa Progressive Union, Barrister Emeka Mmaduabuchi, the Chairman on the occasion, Chief  Patrick Ibekwe, Sir Joseph Uchendu, Sir Francis Chukelu, Engineer Anthonia Nzomiwu and Mr Gab Okpalaeze of the ABS, described Monsignor Nzomiwu as a father to all, and a strong crusader against injustice and oppression, and prayed for stronger and healthier life.
The mass attracted many Priests, Reverend Sisters from different parishes, industrialists, members of the academia, Nnokwa people both at home and in the diaspora, as well as  friends of the priest.
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, was represented at the event by the Doicesan Chancellor of Awka Catholic Diocese, Reverend Father Francis Chidume.
The golden jubilee mass featured cutting of golden jubilee cake and presentation of gifts to the celebrant.

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