St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Akatta, on Saturday 11th January, 2025, celebrated a momentous occasion as the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, presided over the solemn dedication of the parish. The ceremony marked a historic milestone for the parish community, whose members turned out in large numbers to welcome their bishop with joy and thanksgiving.
The dedication began with prayers at the entrance of the newly refurbished church. In a symbolic gesture of trust and commitment, parish councillors presented the church keys and building plans to Bishop Ukwuoma. Accepting their request for dedication, the bishop opened the church doors, inviting the faithful to enter as the Eucharistic celebration commenced.
In his homily, Bishop Ukwuoma described the dedication as “a day of great joy” and emphasized the sacred role of the church as a place of worship, peace, and reconciliation. Drawing inspiration from Scripture, he reflected on King David’s unfulfilled desire to build a temple for God and Solomon’s eventual completion of the task. He challenged the faithful to embrace moral responsibility and live as true witnesses of Christ, warning against the dangers of 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 stated.
The bishop further explained the spiritual significance of the dedication, noting that the rising incense during the ceremony symbolized God’s acceptance of the community’s offering. “We are not only dedicating the church building but also her members,” he said, urging the faithful to live holy and virtuous lives.
The ceremony reached its pinnacle with the consecration of the altar. Bishop Ukwuoma anointed the altar with sacred chrism oil, incensed it, and blessed the tabernacle, before placing the Blessed Sacrament inside. This act officially marked St. Michael’s Parish as a sacred dwelling of God’s presence.
After the Eucharistic celebration, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Chinonso Udembaozor, addressed the congregation, recounting the parish’s journey to this significant moment. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Ukwuoma for his leadership and to all who contributed to the success of the event.The bishop also offered words of encouragement, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their spiritual lives and to serve as beacons of Christ’s love in their community.
The joyous celebration concluded with a photo session featuring the bishop, priests, and parishioners, capturing the spirit of unity and thanksgiving. St. Michael’s Parish, Akatta, now stands not only as a physical testament of faith but also as a renewed spiritual home for its members, ready to carry forward its mission of worship and evangelization.
