BISHOP UKWUOMA DEDICATES ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH, OWERRE NKWORJI

On December 26, 2024, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Jude Erigha, together with the faithful of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, Owerre Nkworji, welcomed the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, for the solemn dedication of their parish. The historic event was marked with profound joy, reverence, and thanksgiving.The Eucharistic celebration commenced with prayers led by Bishop Ukwuoma at the church’s entrance. In a symbolic act, the parish council presented the church keys and building plan to the bishop, signifying the parish’s readiness for dedication. The bishop then opened the church doors, inviting the congregation into the sacred space, where the solemn Mass began.In his homily, Bishop Ukwuoma described the day as one of “great joy,” connecting the martyrdom of St. Stephen, celebrated on the same day, with the dedication of the church as a sanctuary of worship, peace, and reconciliation. Challenging the congregation, he asked, “How many of us today can pray for our persecutors, as Stephen did?”The bishop shared personal reflections on his journey with the community, recalling his early days as a seminarian and later as a parish priest in St. Thomas the Apostle Nkwerre, the mother parish of St. Thomas Aquinas, Owerre Nkworji. He recounted the parish’s humble beginnings and the challenges faced in acquiring the land for the church. He paid tribute to the late Bishop Gregory Ochiagha for his visionary support and to all who contributed to making the parish a reality.Drawing on Scripture, the bishop highlighted the tradition of church dedication, referencing King David’s desire to build a temple for God and Solomon’s eventual fulfillment of this dream. He used this narrative to urge the faithful to reflect on their moral responsibilities, warning against violence and immorality. “If the offering of a man after God’s own heart could be rejected, what becomes of those who engage in killings today? Food for thought for all,” he remarked.Bishop Ukwuoma emphasized that the dedication extended beyond the physical structure to the lives of the faithful. “We are not only dedicating the church building but also her members,” he declared, calling on the congregation to embrace holiness and integrity.The dedication ceremony continued with the anointing of the altar with chrism oil and its incensation, signifying its consecration as a sacred space. The tabernacle was also blessed, and the Blessed Sacrament was placed within, signifying the church’s role as God’s dwelling among His people.After the Eucharistic celebration, the parish secretary, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Edozie, delivered a welcome address, highlighting the milestones that led to the church’s dedication. Rev. Fr. Jude Erigha expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Ukwuoma for his guidance and presence, as well as to all who contributed to the day’s success.The celebration concluded with a joyful photo session featuring the bishop, priests, and parishioners, capturing the momentous occasion. The faithful departed with hearts full of gratitude, rejoicing in the dedication of their parish as a new chapter in their spiritual journey.