SOLUDO HONOURED WITH CASAN PILLAR AWARD, URGES YOUNG ALTAR SERVERS TO STAY CLOSE TO GOD

By Stanley Nwako

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has been honoured with the Altar Servers Pillar Award by the Catholic Altar Servers Association of Nigeria, CASAN, Awka Diocese, in recognition of his contributions and selfless service to the Catholic Church.

The award was presented today, August 8, during the Awka Diocesan Old Boys Reunion and Special Convention held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Adazi-Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government Area.

Governor Soludo was represented at the event by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who received the award on his behalf and conveyed the Governor’s goodwill to members of CASAN.

The convention began with an Episcopal High Mass presided over by the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor. The gathering brought together former and serving altar servers to reflect on their shared experiences and the values of service.

In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor emphasized the importance of faith in the life of every Christian, describing faith as the ability to believe in what has not yet happened. He said faith goes beyond what can be physically seen or empirically proven.

According to the Bishop, a person who has faith in God will be saved, and faith gives believers the strength and confidence to remain steadfast amid life’s challenges. He urged young altar servers to allow their faith to guide them in the vineyard of God.

Bishop Ezeokafor noted that altar servers occupy a special place in the Church because they stay closest to the priest during Mass and other liturgical activities. He encouraged them to remain disciplined, committed, and dedicated so that their service would help them grow spiritually and build good character.

Speaking through his representative, Governor Soludo encouraged the young altar servers to remain in constant contact with God and to nurture their relationship with Him. He said his ability to lead Anambra State today was partly shaped by the spiritual and moral formation he received as an altar server.

The governor advised the young servers to dedicate themselves fully to God’s work, stressing that the values, discipline, and lessons learned at the altar would continue to guide them throughout their lives and careers.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Dr. Afam Obidike expressed appreciation to CASAN Awka Diocese for the recognition. He commended the association for sustaining the values of faith, discipline, service, and commitment among altar servers, noting that these virtues are critical in building responsible individuals and future leaders.

Also speaking, the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Rome Ibekwe, said his experience as an altar server significantly influenced his life. He described the altar as one of the closest avenues for young people to serve God and be prepared for responsible leadership.

Hon. Ibekwe charged the altar servers to understand that they were called to serve and not to be served. He urged them to remain disciplined, committed, and dedicated to serving God and humanity.

The organisers said Governor Soludo was selected for the Altar Servers Pillar Award because of his past service at the altar and his continued contributions to God and humanity. The convention ended with a renewed call on both former and serving altar servers to uphold the values of faith, discipline, service, and dedication acquired through their ministry at the altar.

Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State