Fr. Divine Ekebe (PP), poses with other priests and members

Parishioners of St. Anthony’s church Ohekelem in Ngor- Okpala L.G.A of Imo state, with friends and relations, last Sunday June 30,2013 came out in their numbers to celebrate the feast of St. Anthony of Padua, the patron Saint of the parish. They used the opportunity to raise fund for the completion of their Reverend father’s rectory. The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Divine Ekebe had earlier in his opening remarks welcomed the congregation reminding his parishioners that the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is celebrated on the 13th of June annually.

Rev. Fr. Kenneth Nzewuji who was the chief celebrant, con- celebrated with the parish priest, Rev Fr. Divine Ekebe, Rev Fr. Dr. Joseph Enyiaka, Rev. Fr Paschal Chiekezie.

Preaching the homily, Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Enyiaka called on Christ’s faithful to always work for God. In reference to the first reading, he reminded them of how Elisha left his Oxen, father and mother and followed Elijah to work for God because he knew that any one that works in God’s vine yard will be rewarded.

The homilist charged the faithful to desist from being “Ajibo” Christians, mere nominal Christians but whose way/mode of dressing, actions and speech do not speak for their belief. You must not get married before you stop fornicating or bury your mother or father before you work for God, he said.

He concluded by telling Christians to always use their wealth, wisdom, talent, knowledge to work for God always.

In his address at the occasion the secretary of the parish pastoral council, Mr. Columbus Nwaeke said that St. Anthony’s Catholic parish Ohekelem Ngor Okpala was among the few parishes created by his Grace the Archbishop in 2010.

The parish council secretary commended the efforts of their illustrious sons whom God has used in so many ways to help their church.  People like Chief Columba Ugochukwu Enwere who single handedly built the parish house, Engr. Lawrence Onwuchuruba who equally single handedly beautified the church P.V.C ceiling, Akuruo Ulo Sabinus Njoku, Romanus Ihekonye, Modestus Onwuchusa and others.

Prominent among dignitaries who graced the occasion were: Hon Ugochukwu S. Okere, Solad Ngor Okpala L.G.A Hon. Sir Emeka Nwafor (KSC) Rep Ngor Okpala L.G.A in Imo state House of Assembly, H R H Eze Dr. EE Okere Ohekelem’s traditional ruler.

The highlight of the occasion was the opening and blessing of the newly completed chapel in the Fr’s rectory which was conducted by Rev. Fr. Kenneth Alozie assisted by Frs. Vincent Arisukwu and Paschal Chiekezi. Fr. Dr. John Azu, the first indigenous priest of St. Anthony’s Ohekelem was also present at the occasion.

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