The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Leonard Ewuzie, the parishioners and the entire Catholic faithful of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Ukwunwangwu Uturu today October 8, 2023 warmly welcomed His Lordship, Most Rev. Solomon Amamchukwu Amatu, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese on his Pastoral visit to their parish. Since it was just a day after the bishop marked the 45th anniversary of his ordination to the Catholic Priesthood; his arrival was met with a special presentation from the youth choir of the Parish, who cheered him up as he alighted from the car, singing the ancient hymn of the Church in praise of the Priesthood: ‘tu es sacedos in eternum secundum ordinem Melchisedech.’ The Holy Mass eventually commenced at exactly 10:00 am.
Speaking during his homily, the bishop pointed out and condemned the act of greediness as demonstrated in the Gospel reading. Following the example in the reading too, he listed a number of other instances of mindless and irrational greedy behaviour conversant in the contemporary society. These range from aggression to those who prove to be more successful than we are; inability of tenants to cooperate with their landlords as discussed; lack of sincerity on the part of subordinate business associates, the encouraging gestures parents give their children who commit unnamable crimes just to make ends meet, and so on. He therefore, called on all to avoid all such forms and tendencies for greed, and the rather trust God for all they need.
Other highlights of the event include:
– the solemn Confirmation of 116 Candidates
– an Address of welcome and packages of goodwill presented to the bishop
– warm reception of His Lordship by the Parish Council, at the end of the ceremony.
The priests who attended the ceremony include:
Very Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Nnaemedo, Vicar General II
Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, Chancellor/Secretary
Very Rev. Fr. Chibuike Uwakwe, Diocesan Finance Administrator
Rev. Fr. Leonard Ewuzie, Parish Builder
Rev. Fr. Edward Onwueme