By Nkiru Anakor
His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, has presided over a thanksgiving Mass at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Adazi-Nukwu, Anambra State, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the priestly ordination of Rev. Fr. Johnson Ojiako and the religious profession of his sister, Sr. Mary Francis Regis Ojiako.
The celebration, held on Aug. 28, commemorated 60 years of dedicated service to the Catholic Church and humanity by the siblings, who began their respective vocations in 1965.
In his homily, Cardinal Arinze commended Fr. Johnson and Sr. Mary Francis for their selfless commitment and enduring contributions to the church and society, describing their 60 years of service as a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
He noted that Fr. Johnson is currently the oldest priest in the Catholic Diocese of Awka and the longest-serving among its 393 incardinated priests.
According to the cardinal, Fr. Johnson has, over the decades, served as a father figure, mentor and source of wisdom to generations of priests and faithful, leaving a lasting impact through his ministry.
Cardinal Arinze praised Sr. Mary Francis for her dedicated apostolate as an educator in various places, where she contributed to the intellectual, moral and spiritual formation of those entrusted to her care.
The celebration provided an opportunity for family, clergy, religious and the faithful to honour two lives shaped by commitment, sacrifice and service. Their journey was also held up as an inspiration to younger priests and religious to remain faithful to their vocation and rely on God’s grace in serving the Church and humanity.
Prayers were offered for God’s continued blessings, strength, good health and many more years for Fr. Johnson and Sr. Mary Francis, so they may continue to share their wisdom and experience with the Church and society.
The organisers expressed appreciation to family members, caregivers, individuals and groups who supported the siblings and contributed to the success of the Diamond Jubilee celebration.
Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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