Jubilation As Catholic Archbishop Of Onitsha Dedicates St Anthony Of Padua Catholic Church Nkpor

www.odogwublog.com reports that Sunday, July 26, 2015 was a day of joy for all members of the Catholic Community of St Anthony of Padua Parish Nkpor, Idemili North LGA gathered in large numbers to witness the solemn dedication of their gigantic church to God by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha archdiocese Valerian Maduka Okeke.
The colourful occasion attracted creme la crème of the catholic society in Onitsha including the Executive Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano and wife who was represented by Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta, Anambra State Commissioner of Sports, Dr. Ego Uzoezie, Provost Nsugbe College of Education Anambra State respectively, other government top functionaries as well as Captains of Industries and business moguls.
In his homily during the Holy Mass, Archbishop Valerian Okeke described the church dedication as a total handover to God, adding that as soon as after the dedication, the church becomes a house of God where worshippers of God can obtain favours, Protection, forgiveness etc.
He charged faithful to avoid sinful acts such as bloodshed, fighting, holding of earthly meetings etc capable of desecrating the dedicated church, explaining that once it is desecrated, a rededication must be done for God presence to dwell there.

The prelate further charged faithful to submit themselves to ongoing purification through living a holy life embedded in good works, charity, honesty, etc stressing that Christians are the living temple of God and is expected to keep that temple holy.
Also speaking immediately after the church service, Rev Fr Martin Obum Ikeagu the Parish Priest of the church traced the history of the church and how God helped them to put the edifice and commended the leadership roles, fatherly advices and support given to the church by Archbishop Valerian Okeke describing him as great Shepherd and man of God.
While expressing thanks to his predecessors who served as Parish Priests and Vicars in the church before him, he thanked all the parishioners for their perseverance and steadfastness in service of God and prayed that God will reward them.
Also in a welcome address signed by S.O. Nnabugwu ESQ and Paschal Aniegbunam, Vice Chairman Parish Council, the authorities of the church thanked God for being with them despite shortcomings and also commended Archbishop Valerian Okeke and Rev Fr Martin Obum Ikeagu the Parish Priest for their magnanimity to the parish and the giant strides the parish has recorded in the Archdiocese.
Contributing Chief Ifeanyi Uwolloh, the Chairman of the publicity of the organizing committee for the dedication, expressed happiness to God for making the dedication a reality and expressed optimism that with the dedication of the church, the spiritual lives of the parishioners would be lifted.

Photo:Archbishop Val. Okeke, Fr. Ikeagu, Hon Tony Nnacheta, Anambra Commissioner For Youth And Sports And Others.

By Eche Obasi