By Regina Igwebuike
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, has emphasised the importance of living a virtuous life, loving Christ, and having a deep understanding of one’s faith.
Ezeokafor made the emphasis in a homily during a 2- day annual Seminar organized by the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Awka Diocese on September 20 at the Archbishop A.K. Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Center, Okpuno.
Welcoming the laity and clergy, the bishop noted that this year’s theme: “Upholding and Promoting the Liturgy Among Catholics,” brings to fore the importance of the liturgy in the life of every Catholic, saying that the liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed and the font from which all her power flows.
The prelate explained that the Church cannot do without the salvific action of Christ, which the liturgy both anticipates and makes present.
“The Church, as the proper environment for liturgical celebrations and the sacraments, evokes in us a deep sense of God’s presence, launching us into an encounter with him.
He encouraged the Laity Council to reflect on their relationship with Christ, citing the biblical example of Jesus asking his disciples about his identity. While some compared him to Elijah or John the Baptist, Simon Peter correctly identified him as the Son of the living God.
Chairman of the event, Hon. Dr. Emma Ezeokafor, JP, emphasized the Laity Council’s significance, highlighting its role in uniting the church and its structured leadership, explaining that leadership is a responsibility, not an entitlement and that the Council is open to all members, regardless of age.
The Chairman, who was the immediate Emeritus President of Laity Council, Awka Diocese further said that unity and cooperation are essential for the council’s success, which aimed to promote collaboration and collective decision-making within the church.
Delivering a lecture on ‘Security Consciousness At a Time Like This In Nigeria’, Charles Enekwe, Laity President Annunciation Parish Awka, said, “Security consciousness in Nigeria is a growing concern due to the country’s pervasive insecurity challenges. It involves individuals being actively aware of their surroundings, potential threats, and taking necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities by staying informed, being observant, and reporting suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
Speaking on Neopaganism, Rev. Fr. Celestine Muonwe, said that young Igbo youths in an attempt to reconstruct ancient Igbo indigenous spiritual traditions and pagan belief systems misquote and misinterpret the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:21, where He instructed His followers to pay taxes to the Roman Government while also acknowledging their ultimate allegiance to God by also paying the temple tax.
According to him, the passage teaches us to respect, obey and fulfill our obligations to civil authorities, and also to the Church. However, when these obligations, especially that of the state are contrary to the will of God, we should not obey them, but obey God instead.
On the management of high blood pressure in adults, Lady Esther Obiora (JP), the Vice President, Awka Diocesan Laity Council, advised that every adult (18 years and above) should embark on constant monitoring of his/her blood pressure to know when abnormal and do the needful.
The workshop also witnessed award recognitions to four distinguished individuals who have contributed significantly to the Church and society. The awardees are Rt. Hon. Chief Dan Anaebo Okekenta (JP) – Grand Mayor; Gen. Sir James Ogo Ezeonu(JP JrP) – Grand Patron; High Chief Dr. Azubuike Ekweozor – Patron; and the only female, Prof. Ebele Stella Nwokoye – Patroness.
The awardees in their separate speeches, said that the recognition would inspire them to do more and bring out the best in them.
Earlier, Hon. Sir Joseph Igwebuike, President of the Council in his address, extended his appreciation to Bishop Ezeokafor for his fatherly support and encouragement, acknowledging the tireless efforts of their Chief Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Jude Ezeanokwasa represented by the CWO Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Jonas Unegbu and other priests in ensuring the Council’s effective functioning.
Sir Igwebuike also commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for his leadership, praying for his continued wisdom and good health.
While thanking the awardees, he also thanked those that have supported the laity secretariat building to the decken level, soliciting for more financial and material support to be able to finish the building in the near future.
He also praised the Organizing Committee, led by Sir Amb. Jerry Obodo (JP, KSJI) and the laity executive for their dedication, wishing all God’s blessings and guidance.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
