-As Bishop Amatu harps on sanctity of God’s temple

St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish Umunakanu-Owerre, Ehime Mbano, like a mustard seed planted in 1923 as a Catholic mission by late catechist Joseph Nwodu grew into a station in 1952, became a parish-in-building 1996, attained full parish status in 2000, completed and dedicated 1st March 2014 by the Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. Solomon Amatu.

Receiving the keys and other appurtenances of the church from the Dedication Committee Chairman, High Chief Richard Onwuka Egbule and the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr. Mike Anyiam, His Lordship described it as a “miracle church”, going by its humble beginning and fast attainment of apex status.  He paid glowing tribute to all priests who championed the building of the church at various points in its history and the lay faithful for their efforts and finances.

The prelate noted, however, that the enormous edifice was only symbolic of the real temple of God which is man, and cautioned against defiling God’s temple and appealed for respect and reverence for the dedicated church and performed the dedication of the church as the Episcopal Vicar Ehime Mbano, Rev. Fr. Cajetan Ehiem assisted him.

Parish Rector, Rev. Fr. Gerald Osuagwu who thanked Bishop Amatu for reposing such great confidence in him, gave kudos to his predecessors and lauded all contributors to the project especially High Chief Richard Onwuka Egbule whom he said provided more than half of the entire funds as parish council chairman.  Mr. Mike Anyiam in his contribution, extolled the dexterity of the committee chairman and the focused leadership of the parish priest in association with  Fr. Charles Nwachukwu (Curate) and Very Rev. Fr. Edmund Uzuegbu (in residence).

The Chairman of the grand civic reception, Prof. Aham Anyanwu said the occasion was a rare opportunity of blessing for the Umunakanu-Owerre community, while Prof. Chudi Uwazuruike thanked the entire community and the traditional ruler HRH Eze B.O.I. Onuoha for their unity of purpose and appreciated High Chief Richard Egbule for being a rallying point for the successful project.

The Dedication Committee Chairman, High Chief R.O. Egbule (KSM) in his address underscored the uniqueness of the dedication as the relics of the patron St. Theresa was buried in the church.  He lauded members of his committee for job well done and the entire parishioners for maximum cooperation and trust.

There was a large turnout of all caliber of persons among them Hon. (Pharm) Donatus Ozoemena, Hon. Kingsley Dimaku, Hon. Sir Jude Ejiogu, Hon. Chike Orjiakor, Lady Chioma Ogoke, Chief Bernard Onwu, HRH Eze B.O.I. Onuoha, priests and the religious were also present in their numbers.

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