Catholic faithful residing in any part of  Owerri Archdiocese, who have no Catholic Parish or Station near them, have been advised to be enthusiastic in applying for a Catholic Centre.  Such a centre would cater for their spiritual needs, grow into a station and eventually become a parish.

His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri gave the adcise recently while responding to an address of welcome presented to him by St. Peter’s Catholic Station, Works Layout Owerri, during his maiden pastoral visit and inauguration of the Blessed Tansi Catholic Parish which owns the station.

He disclosed that he had also noticed the lack of Catholic presence at that part of the Owerri Metropolis and therefore commended the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Oparaugo for his bold initiative in opening the station.  The prelate praised the worshippers for their enthusiasm, particularly the Station Council led by Dr. Chima Nwosu, for their pioneering efforts.  He assured them that the road was open for the station to be upgraded into a parish when it is ripe for it and they apply officially with the support of their parish priest.  He emphasized that the work of God was for all Christ’s followers since no individual owns the church except Christ who rewards everyone according to his work.

The Parish Priest, Fr. Oparaugo had earlier introduced members of the Station Council, singling out Brothers Alex Oguine and Ifeanyi whose efforts kick-started the project and who were always at hand to give whatever support was needed.

It would be recalled that the Station Council had in its address, signed and read by the Chairman, commended the visionary leadership of Fr. Oparaugo and described the station as “a parish-in-the-waiting”.  The worshippers appealed to the Archbishop to assist them in acquiring a suitable site to build their permanent church structure, office and parish house.

The same enthusiasm, shouts of joy and canon shots that heralded the Most Rev. Obinna to St. Peter’s Station, Works Layout also repeated when he got to St. Anthony’s Station located at the Comprehensive Secondary School Orji that evening.

A unique feature of this station was the lack of access road as the entire area was flooded.  Rather than ride in his car from Okigwe Road to the station, the Archbishop preferred to trek the whole distance, according to him, “in order to experience what the worshippers in the area go through”.

In their address of welcome, Christ’s faithful in the area described the lack of access road as responsible for the low turnout of worshippers during the rainy seasons and urged the Archbishop to help them appeal to government to work on their road.

The chief shepherd commended them for their faith in spite of the adverse condition and unfavourable location of their church.  He encouraged them to continue to worship God in spirit and truth.  He appealed to Government to come to their rescue, since they too are citizens of the state.

It would be recalled that the Pastoral Team of Blessed Tansi Parish include: Rev. Fr. Austin Onyeneke, Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Zimoha priest in residence and Mr. Kelechi Amaku, Catechist.

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