The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, the Catholic faithful of St. Theresa’s Parish, and the entire members of Obollo Community, of Isiala Mbano today October 1, 2023 warmly welcomed His Lordship, Most Rev. Solomon Amamchukwu Amatu, the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese on his Pastoral visit to their parish. The bishop was welcomed to the parish community in a grand style, amidst great joy and excitement; and the Holy Mass commenced at exactly 10:00 am.
Speaking during his homily, the bishop highlighted the central motive behind the celebration of the day, Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. According to him, Our Lord’s special love for His mother is manifested in the honour He gives her as His mother, and this celebration today is one of the pointers to this fact. Worthy of note however, is the fact that our Lord had no much material/financial relevance for His mother while he was on earth. The bishop therefore draws the fact that there’s really nothing we can do for our parents on earth that is comparable with what we can do for them in the life to come, if we lead holy lives. Jesus honours Mary His mother so much so that He made a crown for her with 12 stars; her shoe are made with the Sun, and her cloth with the moon (Rev. 12:1). This, according to the bishop, shows that indeed ‘eyes have never seen, nor ears heard, what God has destined for those who love Him.’
Finally, the bishop reminded parents of the need to devote themselves to the formation and nurture of their children into the best of persons for the society, aware that great rewards awaits them and the society at large, for such a work well done.
Other highlights of the event include:
– the solemn Confirmation of 66 Candidates, following their success in the Bishop’s rigorous cross-examination on the catechism of the Church
– 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 other priests whose presence greased the ceremony include:
Very Rev. Msgr. John C. Iweh, Vicar General I
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. Emmanuel Azubuike, Parish Rector
Rev. Fr. Francis Ihezie, First Assistant Parish Priest
Rev. Fr. Felix Uzoukwu, Second Assistant Parish Priest
Rev. Fr. Adulphus Oforokpara
Rev. Fr. Ben Okafor
Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwoha
Rev. Fr. Anthony Okafor
Rev. Fr. Innocent Ugorji
Rev. Fr. Celestine Ibeawuchi
Rev. Fr. Paschal Nduukwu
Rev. Fr. Paschal Atunalu
Rev. Fr. Modestus Ikwuegbu
Rev. Fr. Precious Osuji
Rev. Fr. Theophilus Okafor
Rev. Fr. Boniface Edemobi
