Celebration of Diamond Jubilee has been described as a period of recognition, Liberation and restoration through Divine intervention.
The Metropolitan Archbishop and Ecclesiastical Province of Onitsha Archdiocese Most Reverend Dr Valarian Okeke disclosed this during a pastoral visit to mark seventy- five years anniversary of Sacred Heart Parish Odoakpu, Onitsha.
In a homily to mark the event, Archbishop Okeke who tagged his homily, “You must learn how to give Offerings said, Celebrating Silver, Golden, Diamond and Centenary Jubilees means giving thanks to God for freeing one from either slavery, Sins, tribulations and called on the faithful to see the period as a time for reflection, forgiveness and showing gratitude to God.
Archbishop Okeke also maintained, that to obtain God’s grace Christians must learn to overlook issues and pray for liberation in order to attract God’s blessings and eulogized both the past and present Parish Priests of the Parish, who he said have contributed immensely to the development of the Parish as well as the parishioners who have been supportive.
Addressing the congregation, the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi expressed satisfaction at the level of development in the Parish, and described Archbishop Okeke as a true shepherd and also commended the Parishioners for their efforts and pledged more dividends of democracy, assuring that works are ongoing on all the roads flagged off by his administration.
He was later presented with an award of Excellence by Archbishop Okeke on behalf of the Parish.
Expressing gratitude to Archbishop Okeke, the Parish Priest, Very Rev Fr Martin lkeagu who said he was overwhelmed with the turnout of parishioners and friends, thanked Archbishop Okeke who he said has transformed the Archdiocese.
In an Address of welcome presented by the Parish Secretary, Barrister Jude Agha, the Parish thanked him for his tireless efforts in making the Archdiocese one of the best, elevating it to Basilica status in Africa sub- region and prayed God to bless him.
ABS Staff Reporter, Festus Obierika who witnessed the event, reports that it attracted Priests, the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, Former Governor Peter Obi and member representing Onitsha South Two Constituency in State House of Assembly, Honourable Jude Umennajiego among other top government functionaries.
The event featured administration of Sacrament of Confirmation to over Six hundred Candidates by Archbishop Okeke, presentation of awards to some deserving parishioners, commissioning of Diamond Jubilee House and Cutting of Diamond Jubilee Cake.
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