By Nonye Muo
The Catholic Diocese of Awka has marked its annual Cathedraticum and Chrism Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Awka, drawing a large gathering of the faithful.
The event featured the blessing of three sacred oils used in the Church: the Chrism Oil, Oil of the Sick, and Oil of Catechumens.
The faithful also participated in the long-standing tradition of presenting food items and monetary gifts to support the less privileged through the Bishop.
Delivering his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, emphasized the redemptive mission of Christ, noting that He came to deliver humanity and sacrificed Himself on the cross for salvation.
The Bishop spoke extensively on family life, stressing that the primary responsibility of parents is the proper upbringing of their children. He warned that failure to instill discipline and values early in life often leads to regret.
He advised parents not to overburden children with prolonged school hours but to allow time for rest, spiritual growth, and participation in activities such as the Block Rosary. According to him, both moral and academic formation are essential, as “habit is second nature.”
Bishop Ezeokafor also expressed concern over the growing trend of teenagers acquiring wealth and material possessions without legitimate sources of income, while parents remain silent. He urged parents to be more vigilant and committed to disciplining their children.
Addressing marriage, he noted the increasing rate of instability in families and emphasized that marriage courses should remain compulsory for all intending couples.
The Bishop further condemned the practice of inviting non-Catholic ministers to officiate at the burial of Catholics, describing it as an abuse of Church tradition.
As part of pastoral directives, he mandated all parishes to establish committees dedicated to visiting and caring for the sick, adding that regular priestly visits help strengthen the faith of the sick.
He also encouraged priests to deliver impactful homilies that nourish the spiritual lives of the laity.
On education, Bishop Ezeokafor assured that several Catholic schools in the diocese would be upgraded, specifically mentioning St. Patrick’s College, Awka, and St. Michael’s Secondary School, Nimo.
He announced that the Feast of St. Patrick will henceforth be celebrated annually as a diocesan event.
The Bishop also recognized the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, commending his developmental efforts in the state and encouraging him to sustain the momentum.
Nonye is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
