St. Patrick’s Ugonna Parish Lowa, Ihitte-Uboma LGA, Sunday, September 29, 2013 went agog following the priestly ordination and celebration of first Holy Mass of Rev. Fr. Innocent Chimaroke Chukwunyere, the 3rd indigenous priest of the parish.

In a homily during the Mass, Rev. Fr. Culbert Okeke cautioned those in positions of authority against covetousness and victimization of the down-trodden and stressed the need for sincerity of purpose by leaders.

He charged the newly ordained to remain conscious of the enormity of the responsibility bestowed on him by his ordination, pointing out that a priest by virtue of his consecration is a spirit-man and therefore cautioned against any form of attack on the priest, irrespective of the circumstance.  He enjoined the priest to do his work well and God would make available the good things of life without undue struggle.

Newly ordained, Fr. Chukwunyere was assisted at the Mass by the host Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Val Ogechukwu Njoku, the Parochial Vicar, Fr. Elias Nwaodu and Fr. Victor Chukwuma.  Another special guest was Fr. Vincent Ononiwu who was ordained earlier on July 29, 2013 at Umuahia as the 2nd indigenous priest of the parish and was quickly followed by Fr. Innocent Chukwunyere both of whom received brand new cars each on the occasion.

In his appreciation, the host Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Val Njoku thanked the ordination committee, the CMO and CWO, benefactors and the entire faithful of the parish for being part of the success story, including all guests from far and near.  He told Fr. Innocent not to lose contact with his home parish as a demonstration of appreciation for their love.  He expressed delight that nearly 15 years after the first ordination of the indigenous priest of the parish, God granted them two priests in quick succession.

In his reaction, newly ordained Fr. Innocent Chukwunyere praised God for bringing him to glorious end of the rigorous process of his priestly formation and restated his preparedness to justify his calling.  He thanked all his benefactors and pledged to offer continued prayers for them all.

Similarly, HRH Eze Christian Iwueke expressed joy at the growth of the vocation in his community and charged Fr. Innocent to be of good cheer.

Hon. Mark Uchendu was the chairman of the civic reception that followed.

Highlight was the presentation of two Toyota Camry cars to the two priests.  Cutting of ordination cake, toasts and exchange of gifts and souvenirs also featured.  Lady Beatrice Nwachukwu presented cash donations on behalf of the St. Patrick’s Ugonna Parish CWO and Uboma women respectively.  So also did Mr. Godfrey Nzekwe from Umucheke Okwe Parish.  Hon Collins Nwachukwu, Chairman Ordination Committee, passed a vote of thanks, so did the chairman of the occasion.

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