By Osegbue Patricia
Rev. Sr. Marie Andréa Ifeoma Nwanosike, NES, has marked 25 years of consecrated religious life with a thanksgiving Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Inland Town, Onitsha.
The Mass, held on Sept. 6, brought together members of the clergy, religious sisters, political leaders, family members, friends and well wishers to celebrate the milestone with the jubilant.
The thanksgiving Mass was officiated by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Very Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Okafor.
In his homily, the Parish Vicar, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ilechukwu, urged Christians to prioritise forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful relationships rather than allow pride and bitterness to create divisions.
Ilechukwu encouraged the faithful to take the initiative in seeking reconciliation whenever relationships became strained.
“Today Jesus is telling us the need to reconcile, to forgive and desire to make the first move for reconciliation,” he said.
He added that every person was created in the image of God and should not be treated with hatred or hostility.
Sr. Nwanosike is a member of the Congregation of the New Evangelization Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Issele-Uku, Delta State.
She is the first daughter of Sir Andrew Nwanosike, former State Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Anambra State Chapter, and Dame Dr. Ngozi Nwanosike, KSG, Director, Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Onitsha Archdiocese.
Among dignitaries at the celebration were the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Sir Victor Umeh; Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Sen. Tony Nwoye; National Chairman of APGA, Mr. Sly Okenwa; and Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora.
Also present were religious sisters from various congregations, Onitsha Archdiocesan CWO organisers, representatives of women groups, members of the Nwanosike family, friends and other well-wishers.
The reception featured music, dancing and other activities organised by the Nwanosike family.
The Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Uzondu, congratulated the celebrant and thanked the clergy, religious, dignitaries, family members and other guests for identifying with her on the occasion.
Former Anambra Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Nnamdi Onukwuba, also congratulated Sr. Nwanosike and encouraged her to remain steadfast in her vocation and commitment to serving God and humanity.
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of a Papal Certificate of Blessing to Sr. Nwanosike by Uzondu in commemoration of her 25 years in consecrated religious life.
The celebration ended with thanksgiving and prayers by the celebrant, her family, fellow religious sisters and guests for continued grace and fruitful service.
Osegbue Patricia is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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