Rev. Fr. Patrick Ibole and the pupils of St. Michael’s Nursery/Primary School Amakohia, Uratta, joined millions of Catholics worldwide to celebrate this year’s Feast of St. Patrick, March 17. The celebration started with a thanksgiving Mass presided over by Fr. Ibole.

Fr. Ibole with pupils and staff of St. Michael’s Nursery/Primary School Amakohia, Uratta

In his sermon, Fr. Ibole  who is also the Vicar-General of Owerri Archdiocese, traced the life and time of St. Patrick, how he was kidnapped at the age of 16, sold into slavery in Ireland and after six years of living the life of a shepherding slave, Patrick escaped and returned to Britian. However, he felt God calling him to be a priest; so, he set out to France where he studied for priesthood. He then became a priest and bishop and returned to Ireland, transforming the country from paganism to Christianity.

The priest told the pupils that just as St. Patrick who was enslaved in Ireland, that they will as well be enslaved if they go contrary to the words of God.

He charged them to listen to the word of God, which is the food for mankind, and to always thread the good path of St. Patrick who is the patron saint of  Ireland and our country Nigeria.  He said that St. Patrick will always be remembered for his good and remarkable lifestyle.

He encouraged them to always say their prayers which is the only key to God’s heart and to surrender their hearts to Jesus, who will take proper care of them.

The Vicar-General said that as a priest and later, bishop, St. Patrick won souls to Christ, and advised Christians to live a life worthy of emulation in order to bring souls to God.

He told the children to always live by the truth, avoid evil practices have strong faith and trust in God.

The priest denounced in the strongest term, homosexuality and warned Christians to beware of the films they watch, both in television and the internet, to avoid exposing themselves to evil practices now being promoted by Europe and America.

Fr. Ibole thanked the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Barr. A.U. Emeana, parishioners, the school staff and management for their efforts in seeing that the children are trained in the ways of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Other activities marking the celebration were a football match, march past by the pupils, sack race, egg race etc.

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