As St Lawrence Chapel welcomes the Bishop at its Maiden Pastoral visit
By Tony Ezike
The Maiden Bishop’s Pastoral visit and Administering of the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Lawrence Catholic Chapel Awka, Anambra State on Sunday 21st April 2024 was a resounding success considering the massive turn out of worshippers, the clergy, special guests, as well as the cement weather.
The Special Mass was presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev’d Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, while the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah CON was Chairman of the Pastoral Visit.
Bishop Ezeokafor in his remarks described Senator Uche Ekwunife as an excellent example of a great woman who’s wealth of knowledge and social standing has impacted the church and humanity in many positive ways.
He further described Chief Larry and Senator Uche Ekwunife as a couple that has shown commitment in aiding sustainable expansion of the church, and propagation of the gospel, which has played a significant role in the Catholic congregational fellowship.
Bishop Ezeokafor eulogised Senator Ekwunife for sustaining a very important legacy of her mother who lived a life of service to God, which indicates that what she is doing is driven by family background and descent upbringing. He also noted that St Lawrence Chapel has what it takes to become a full fledged parish and gave assurances that it will come to pass in due course.
He prayed God to continue guiding and equipping the Ekwunife family with everything their heart desires and declared that as the couple deemed it necessary to provide and dedicate a decent place of worship like St Lawrence Catholic Chapel to Almighty God, so also shall their blessings grow to the glory of God.
Chairman of the occasion Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream expressed profound appreciation to Most Rev’d Paulinus Ezeokafor for his selfless service and laudable efforts in the Lord’s vineyard, which he described as the height of service to God and humanity.
He equally extended special recognition to Chief Sir Larry and Senator Uche Ekwunife for deeming it necessary to provide such a magnificent place of worship in a strategic location where people could seek the face of God and obtain spiritual growth for the asking.
Senator Ubah did not leave out the clergy, the guests and the entire parishioners whom he emphasized the importance of their various contributions to the growth of the Church.
The MOTHER OF THE DAY for the Maiden Pastoral Visit, Senator Uche Ekwunife CON expressed gratitude to Almighty God who made it possible for her family to be counted among those who have made positive contributions to the Church and society at large. She thanked Bishop Ezeokafor for his unflinching support to St Lawrence Catholic Chapel since it was established in 2018.
“I am delighted that St Lawrence Chapel has grown into a formidable congregation and a family that has zero consideration for discrimination. As Christians we are expected to practice Christianity in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“My husband’s name is Lawrence, Larry for short, so we decided to build St Lawrence Catholic Chapel in view of its anticipated long-term impacts on the Church and humanity. This is a divine investment, which aims at bringing more people closer to God and inculcating in them, sound moral principles which is critical to fostering love, tolerance and a better society.
“No fewer than five governors witnessed the unveiling of St Lawrence Chapel in 2018 and I am confident that by the time it assumes the status of a Parish, people would witness something different by the special grace of God.
“My sincere appreciation to Most Rev’d Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Priests, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator Eteng Jonah Chairman Senate Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Senator Jide Ipisagba, Chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Senator Benson Agadagba, Chairman Host Communities, Senator Benson Kombowei, former Speaker Bayelsa and Vice Chairman Legislation, Professor Josephat Ogbuagu, former PDP gubernatorial Candidate, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Hon Joseph Dimobi, Chief Emeka Eze MFR (Omega), Chief Kelvin Chiedozie Obiegbunam (Oba Ochendo), Barr Mrs Uju Nwogu, Lady Anuli Mekoh, and all the parishioners of St Lawrence Catholic Chapel”, she said
