How else can one offer to God for his mercies, upliftment and grace other than gratitude and thanksgiving.

This was brought to the fore at Christ the King Parish, Akpo, Aguata Council Area when Reverend Father Emmanuel Umezinwa commemorated his twenty-fifth  priestly anniversary.

Religion Correspondent Amaka Chibuzor-Okoye reports that it was a joyful celebration that attracted the Academia, Priest, Reverend Sisters, friends and well-wishers, who came to share in the joy of his priestly and fifty-second birthday anniversaries.

Speaking shortly after the Holy Mass, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, who identified the celebrant as his Special Adviser on Academic Matters, described him as a dependable, intelligent, innovative, selfless, forthright and an asset in his project and vision as the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK.

Earlier in a homily, Reverend Father Hillary Ben-Ezenwa, who is the celebrant’s bosom friend and school mate said, priesthood  is a vocation that calls  for dedication, selfless service to God and humanity, which he noted were evident in the life of Father Umezinwa.

While thanking God for the journey so far, Father Umezinwa described his call as a grace of God noting  that the challenges of priesthood are enormous but with focus, dedication and fervent prayer, one can excel.

The special Mass had in attendance, the Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Greg Nwakobi, representatives of the Archbishop, Metropolitan Sea, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, Bishop Awka  Catholic Diocese , Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor and host of others while cutting of anniversary cake and other performances added glamour to the event.