Nnewi catholic diocese holds mass for 5 Papal awardees

The Nnewi catholic diocese on Monday held a thanksgiving mass and investiture for the new five Papal Knights awardees.

The mass which coincided with the celebration of solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, Nnewi, Anambra state.

In his sermon, the bishop of the Nnewi Catholic diocese, Most Rev Hillary Okeke said that the awardees were specially chosen by His Holiness Pope Francis for their various contributions to the growth of the church and society.

He highlighted the numerous contributions of the awardees even as he urged other members of the church to emulate the good works of the awardees which have qualified them to get the attention and recognition of Pope Francis.

Bishop Okeke however stated that the requirements to get the Papal award are only known to the Pope and God as there are many other people in the church who have made useful contributions to the church.

The prelate tasked the new awardees to see their recognition and award as special honor which is meant to propel them to do more in their service to God and humanity.

Three of the awardees Engineer Otis Anyaeji, his wife, Mrs Nkechi Anyaeji and Chief Onwugbenu were invested  as Knights of the Order of St Gregory while Chief Sylvester Anyigbo and Mr Marcel Ezeotubelu were invested as Knight of the Order of St Sylvester.

The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano speaking through his SSG, Professor Solo Chukwudebelu urged the awardees to use the opportunity to do more for the church, Anambra State and the society in general. He called for prayers for the administration of Governor Obiano, adding that governance especially Anambra State is a difficult task.