Catholic Bishop urges Christians to stop presenting selves as more righteous

 

By Okechukwu Onuegbu

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged Christians to stop playing the roles of judges over others as God remains the outmost judge.

Ezeokafor gave the advice in a homily on Sunday during a pastoral visit to Michael's Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, which led into administration of sacrament of confirmation on 217 people, commissioning of some projects built by the institution, induction of 227 graduands into their old boys association and prize presentations to outstanding students.

The Bishop, who maintained that all souls have sinned and falling short of glory of God, urged all to rather submit selves to God as well as prayerful to obtain mercy at end of their journeys on earth.

“Nobody is completely good before God. We have our limitations but God expects us to do the right thing for us to be rewarded awesomely, God listens to the poor, defenseless and those who are miserable. Let us always examine our conscience and pray at all times by so doing, we would have secured a laudable life worthy of emulation," he stated.

He further commended the school management over several improvements recorded in recent times and enjoined parents and teachers never to relent in instilling moral virtues into the students as it would assist them in building a solid foundation for future tomorrow.

Ezeokafor also enjoined the newly graduated students to strive to become good ambassadors of the school and their parents by living lives worthy of emulation.

He also used the opportunity to commission their six apartments teachers quarter, Chemistry and Language laboratories, among others with a view to enabling the students improve in their studies.

In an address, the Manager/Principal, St. Michael's Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Nimo, Rev. Fr. Nwabueze Denis commended the Bishop for coming, including parents and old boys, assuring that they would continue to impact the students positively for a greater tomorrow.

Nwabueze, who sought support of relevant stakeholders in uplifting the institution to a computer-Based Test (CBT) centre for writing of the West African Examination Centre (WAEC), noted that the institution has 50 computer sets and currently in need of about 100 more in addition to other digital equipments to improve their security network and digital technology.

"We are upgrading our school to a complete smart institution to make our environment conducive for teaching and learning. We are requesting for more smart boards in all our classes, and 100 additional laptops to enable us secure our centre as a venue for writing WAEC CBT. The school also needs borehole, teachers quarter, school bus, digitalised physics and biology lab, and digitalised security network," he stated.

He recalled that the school has secured many trophies through the academic year, including the Ronald Reagan International oratory competition, 1st position secured at national MTN Cadet champion in high jump award, 1st position in State held Joe Anatune Memorial essay competition, among others.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Chike Ezeanya, while commending the teaching and non teaching staff of the school, urged their old boys and parents not to relent in investing into the citadel of learning as it would help to build the students skills for more exploits and societal impact.

On his part, the outgone Senior Prefect of St. Michael's Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Master Harrison Chinaza Chukwunyere charged new perfects of the institution to lead with integrity, fairness and patrotism.

"The path is not always easy, but it is worth it. Lead with integrity, be fair and always put the school first. You have a chance to shape the experience of those around you. Take that seriously. To my juniors, I encourage you to dream big, word hard and never underestimate your voice or your ability to make a difference.

"I thank the school for shaping me, for giving me a place to grow, rise and lead. I leave today not as the same person who walked in years ago but as someone stronger, wise and filled with hope. As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I carry all of you with me on spirit," he added.