By Obianuju Azukaego
Madonna Catholic Church, Agulu, Anambra State, was filled with joy and thanksgiving on October 11, as members of the Agulu Catholic Community, comprising nine parishes in the town, gathered to honour seven priests and nine religious sisters for their dedication to the service of God and humanity.
The celebration featured the welcome of a newly ordained priest, Rev. Fr. John Paul Egbue; the silver jubilees of six priests marking 25 years of priestly ordination; the final religious professions of three sisters; the silver jubilees of five religious sisters; and the golden jubilee of one sister.
The priests who celebrated 25 years of priestly ordination were Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Anyanwo, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Okoye, Rev. Fr. Innocent Muomegha, Rev. Fr. Ifeanyi Ibe, Rev. Fr. William Ozuluonye and Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie. The three sisters who made their final religious profession were Sr. Maria Goretti Joseph Okoli, Sr. Chiamaka Esika and Sr. Nnonye Kamsi Ezego.
Those who marked 25 years of religious profession were Sr. Chiamaka Dilinye, Sr. James Ann Ogochukwu Aniagboso, Sr. Mary Chidike Roseline Obikili, Sr. Francisca Okoye and Sr. Chikezie Augustina Nzekwe, while Sr. Nkechi Akunyili celebrated 50 years of religious profession.
The celebration began with a Eucharistic Mass presided over by one of the priestly silver jubilarians, Rev. Fr. Innocent Muomegha. The homily was delivered by the President of the Agulu Priests, Religious, Aspirants and Seminarians Association (APRASA), Rev. Fr. Henry Okeke, who concelebrated the Mass alongside several other priests.
A grand reception followed the mass, featuring the presentation of gifts to the celebrants in recognition of their commitment to their religious vocations and service to humanity.
The newly ordained priest, Rev. Fr. John Paul Egbue, received a brand-new Toyota Camry from the Agulu Catholic Community, while the other celebrants were presented with cheques as tokens of appreciation and support for their years of service to God and the Church.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Agulu Central Pastoral Council, Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Nwanna, urged the celebrants to see the gifts as expressions of the community’s love, goodwill and continued support for their priestly and religious vocations.
Responding on behalf of the celebrants, Sr. Mary Chidike Roseline Obikili expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Agulu Central Pastoral Council, the Ordination Committee, priests serving in Agulu and the entire Agulu Catholic Community for their sacrifices and generous contributions towards the successful celebration. She also commended the community for recognising its sons and daughters who had dedicated their lives to proclaiming the Gospel and serving God and humanity.
Obianuju Azukaego is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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