Written By: Fr. Uche Uzor

To the glory of God, it will be a double barrel celebration at the Saint Mary’s Parish, Egbengwu Nimo. There will be dedication of the edifice that God gave as well as the marking of the silver jubilee of the parish. Hence, the Parish Priest, the Vicar, the Priest-In-Residence and the entire catholic community of Saint Mary’s Parish, Egbengwu Nimo is rejoicing.
It all started sometime in 1997 when Very Reverend Father Christopher Adinchezo, the pioneer Parish Priest, by the grace of God, took the bull by the horn by initiating the laying of foundation of Saint Mary’s Parish, Egbengwu Nimo in order to build a permanent place of worship for the Lord. This idea was a welcome development for entire catholic faithful in Nimo, especially Egbengwu community.


However, the parishioners of Saint Mary’s Parish, Egbengwu Nimo knew that, for the dream to come true, all hands must be on deck. Thus, sons and daughters of the parish strived to contribute to the successful completion of the church building.


Mention must however be made of some people whose major contributions are worthy of mention. They include Sir J.C. Odike, who built the giant statue of Blessed Virgin Mary; Hon. Sir Pete Ibida, Ichie Eleazer Egoigwe (Ewenata Ozo), Architect Tom Awagu and Sir Charles Mbelede, who constructed the Parish Chapel of Adoration.


Others are Mr. Ignatius Odigwe, Chief A.J.C. Orizu (Kaliozo Gburugburu), the Mgbajiaka family sponsored construction of the Grotto of our Lady, and indeed everyone who contributed financially, physically or through free service or pieces of advice. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless and replenish them all in Jesus name Amen.


Equally, we will not forget in a hurry, the efforts and contributions of Late Sir Patrick Omabu (Africana), who was the church building committee chairman before his death. May his soul continue to rest in peace Amen.


The Lord Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor will perform the dedication of the church tomorrow, Thursday August 15, 2019. It will start with a pontifical Holy Mass by 9.30am. We urge all worshippers to keep the date. They should also note that after the dedication, the church will be fully set aside strictly for liturgical ceremonies and performance of the sacraments of the church through which the people of God are sanctified.


Nothing mundane will be performed there. God’s people will go into it to praise God, to ask forgiveness for their sins, to thank God and to pray for their needs.
We will not fail to thank the dedication planning committee, ably lead by Honourable Sir Pete Ibida, who is also the first PCC Vice Chairman; Mr. Francis Okoyediji, PCC Secretary and secretary to the dedication planning committee; Sir Fred Onyedibe, Publicity Secretary and other members of the planning committee for all their efforts in making the double celebration a success.


As we invite and expect you to honour us with your presence, we especially pray that whoever will pray in the dedicated church, will get speedy answer. We also pray that the double occasion will unite more, the people of God and increase their faith so as to love God with all their hearts, souls and strength.


Equally that they will translate their deep love for God into practical action in loving everybody so as to make heaven at the end of their lives on earth, in Jesus mighty name we pray Amen. You are cordially invited.