Christians urge to persevere, renew faith in Christ, as Ezeokafor consecrates 172 parishioners at Ugwuoba

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, on Sunday, urged Christians not to lose faith in God but continuously seek Him in all honesty to receive everlasting blessings.

Ezeokafor made the call at St Paul's Catholic Church, Ugwuoba, Orji River LGA, Enugu State, during a pastoral visit cum celebration of 10 years anniversary of creation of the parish.

The Bishop also used the occasion to bless Maria grotto, Calvary cross and fountain pot built and donated to the church by a parishioner, as well as consecrated 172 parishioners for holy confirmation.

According to him, God has good plans for His people and would never forget to bless those who diligently serve Him in truth and honesty.

He bemoaned the increase in neopaganism, attributing it to get-rich-quick syndrome and failed parenting, even as he urged parents to brace-up the challenge by inculcating moral values and godly virtues into their children at teenage.

The prelate, however, commended the Church for sustaining the light lited in them since creation of the parish in 2015, urging them to be steadfast and fervently seek Him for more spiritual growth, personal and communal development.

He charged the newly consecrated to be committed to the things of God through participation in the church activities, observance of the Catholic doctrines and receiving of Holy Communion so as not to be carried away by the world.

Parish priest

Speaking in an interview, the host and Parish Priest, St. Paul's Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Innocent Chukwunonso Okeke thanked the Bishop for visiting to bless and commune with them, which according to him, uplifted their faith in God and would empower them to remain faithful in Christ.

Okeke also called on Christendom to remain focused in whatever they do, arguing that commitment to service, diligence, sincerity and perseverance pay more than idleness and deceptions.

The pastoral visit attracted some indigenous priests, reverend sisters, members, friends and well wishes of the Church and was heralded with dancing and merriments at the end.