By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
The Senator representing Anambra North senatorial zone, Dr. Tony Nwoye has expressed that the virtues of Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke contributed immensely to the growth and development of Catholic Church in Onitsha Archdiocese.
Dr. Nwoye made the assertion during the dedication of Church building at St. Micheal De Archangel Catholic Church Iba-Pope Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He stated that prayer, moral and financial support of Archbishop Okeke were a great source of sustenance and growth of Catholic Church in Onitsha Archdiocese, adding that his vision, courage and doggedness saw to the increase in numbers of Parishes in Onitsha Archdiocese, from 70 to 183 parishes.
He further recounted some of the achievements of Archbishop Okeke which included; establishment of numerous Educational institutions and Hospitals, promoting academics of youths empowerment and Music Academy amongst others.
However, Archbishop Okeke in his homily to mark the dedication described dedicating the Church building as complete handing over the entire building to God.
He explained that once the Church building is dedicating, the parishioners are equally dedicated to God.
He urged the parishioners to keep the Church building Holy as no other function would be conducted inside it except worshipping and prayer, even as he posited that the Church building has become a dwelling place of God.
The Catholic prelate also praised the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Anona in his efforts to complete the Church building and dedicated it.
Speaking during the occasion, a member representing Onitsha North and South at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Idu Emeka pledged to work in tandem with all his constituency irrespective of political party affiliation.
He also pledged that his legislative tenure would serve as part of enlargement of the Church as the body of Christ, commending the restless efforts of Archbishop Okeke towards the growth and development of the Catholic Church in Onitsha Archdiocese.
He further appreciated the steadfastness of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Anona, promising to always stand by the Church which he said stood for him and his Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi during the February 2023 general election in Nigeria.
Appreciating his guests, the Parish Priest Rev.Fr. Kenneth Anona poured accolades to Archbishop Okeke who he said God used to dedicate their new Church building.
He also prayed to God to bless all and sundry who graced the occasion as well as grant them safety journey to their respective destinations.
The occasion attracted the presence of the traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka 111, numerous priests, Religious, captains of Industries, politicians, Government functionaries, friends and well wishes.
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