By Regina Igwebuike
The Catholic faithful of St. Edward’s Parish, Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State with their friends and well-wishers, celebrate the feast of their Patron Saint cum Cultural Day.
The celebration, held on October 12 was well attended by all walks of life, including the Royal Father of the day HRM, Igwe Dr. Joel Madudiche Egwuonwu, Ezeudu II of Umuanwulu; Chief Dr. Victor Ike Oye, former National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party, and Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu, President General, Amawbia Town Union.
St. Edward Catholic Church, Amawbia was created on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at the dedication of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, the Mother parish by the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus C Ezeokafor.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jerome Okafor, warmly welcomed attendees, noting the significance of the liturgical and secular event. As he blessed the plaques to be awarded, he prayed that the recipients would be reminded of God’s endless love, and that their faith would be strengthened. “Each time we gather, it reminds us of God’s endless love. You blessed our parish with numerous blessings; increase our faith in you, oh Lord.”
According to Fr. Okafor, the idea of combining the two events is to enable us touch home with ourselves. We are Igbos; a people known for their rich culture. Whenever Igbo gather to celebrate abroad, white people hang around, even uninvited. When we celebrate, everyone is invited; enemies as well as friends; no one is singled out for exclusion. Igbos, as true Africans, know that a tree does not make a forest. “I am because we are “.
“The community confirms the individual. Individualism is not in our culture. It is increasingly setting into our culture. Today, we want to remind ourselves that individualism is a borrowed element in our culture and must remain alien to it.
“Our parish is, and will always remain an excellent piece or sign or Sacrament of this cooperation or communalism. You all remember that our parish is a gift wholeheartedly received and cherished. We have celebrated the donor and those who were instrumental to the realization of the donor’s dream.
“When we were considering those to qualify for today’s recognition, the simple criteria were those who received, supported and nurtured the gift; A few people who expected to be recognized were disqualified because they rejected the gift; they never identified with it until it was clear the parish has come to stay.
“This year’s celebration is unique in that it tries to highlight the diversity of gifts with which people are have served our community. All wealth is not money. Many supported with money; others with their skills and talents. This culture has endured in our parish to the present day. Here is a parish in which everyone has opportunity to excel. We pray the good Lord continues to reward each person for his or her labor for the good of our parish.”
The cleric further said: “Our parish nurtures faith, skill, talent and service. All these are represented and celebrated in today’s event. It is important for us to note that what we are celebrating today is not one time event; but something that will be ongoing. We shall continue to highlight those who excel in one thing or another at this time every year. The celebration may not always be as elaborate as it is today; but it shall always be celebrated”.
Chief Victor Oye (Ozomkpu Amawbia), expressed gratitude to the priests, reverend sisters, Knights of the church, and awardees, particularly Engr. Sir Edward Dijeh and Sir Dr. Ikem Odumodu. He highlighted his contributions to the establishment of St. Edward and St. Joseph Parishes, which he initiated during his tenure as Bazaar Committee Chairman of St. Matthew’s (2007-2023). Chief Oye announced plans to erect another parish, St. Victor, in the near future. Additionally, he received an award on behalf of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Nwofor (Adighinije), the 102-year-old Mother General of St. Edward Parish, still living to the glory of God.
In his opening remarks, the event Chairman, Engr. Chris Nwoye described the ceremony as a remarkable milestone, saying, “Today’s event is great, and we thank God for bringing us to this level.” He expressed gratitude to the parish priest, vicar, parish council, and committee for their efforts in making the event a success.
Engr. Nwoye noted that the celebration marks a test run for the upcoming centenary celebration, giving God the glory for the parish’s journey so far. He acknowledged the contributions of key individuals, including Bishop Jonas Benson, Engr. Edward Dijeh, Dr. Ikem Odumodu, and others who played a role in establishing the parish. He also thanked the CMO, CWO, CYON and all zones for their collaboration, asking God to bless them abundantly.
Earlier, in a homily, the Parish Vicar Rev. Fr. Kingsley Igboanugo said that the main aim of St. Edward’s feast day is to celebrate the individuals who contributed to the parish’s establishment and growth. He expressed gratitude to the congregation for their presence, despite the unfavorable weather conditions.
Fr. Igboanugo reflected on the day’s readings, emphasizing the uniqueness of God as the creator. He encouraged the faithful to work together in their service to God, promising that they would reap the fruits of their labor. The cleric stressed the importance of having faith in God and expressing gratitude for His blessings, even though God do not require their thanks.
21 life awardees, including Mrs Sally Mbanefo, former Anambra Commissioner Culture, Tourism, Indigenous Art and Diaspora Affairs during Governor Willie Obiano’s administration, and 11 posthumous awards.
The recipients overjoyed with the recognition, promised to utilize their God given talent for the upliftment of the church and service to humanity.
Choir renditions, cultural dance including ‘Uvfie’ added glamour to the ceremony.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
