BISHOP UKWUOMA INAUGURATES ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH OBINWANNE
The beginning of a new era was marked in Obinwanne community of Njaba LGA on Friday, 18th November 2022, as St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Obinwanne was inaugurated. The event was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Augustine T. Ukwuoma with other priests in con-celebration. Present at the Mass were, HRH Eze Barr. & Ugoeze Justin Uzoma Ezeala (Ezenwanne of Obinwanne), members of the royal cabinet as well as numerous people of God.
Speaking during the homily, Bishop Ukwuoma stated that the inauguration of the parish is necessary to bring the Gospel and sacraments closer to the doorsteps of the faithful for their sanctification. He further urged the faithful to live up to their name – Obinwanne – which depicts brotherly love. He admonished them to always seek for the good of their neighbours and to expunge every form of hatred, rancor and disunity among themselves.
After the homily, the Bishop presented Rev. Fr. Anthony Ohams as the parish priest of the new parish amidst cheers and applause from the faithful.
The inauguration committee secretary, Chief Cyril Okeoma, while giving the address thanked the Bishop for inaugurating the new parish. He gave a history of how the journey to becoming a parish began. He also thanked all who contributed to the actualization of the dream.
Subsequently, the rector of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Umuaka, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Martin Egbuogu, expressed his sentiments of gratitude to the Bishop and the parishioners of the new parish. He led his parishioners to present numerous gifts to the new parish and her parishioners. Also, gifts from different groups and parishes were presented to the new parish.
Also, HRH Eze Barr. Justin U. Ezeala presented gifts to the parish and also presented the keys of a brand new car to the parish priest for pastoral use. He also pledged to continue to support the parish.
The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ohams, thanked the Bishop for giving him the opportunity to serve the faithful. He pledged to carry out his pastoral duties devotedly to the glory of God.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop Ukwuoma blessed the new parish rectory.