-Bishop Obodo harps on the life of faithfulness and integrity
By Chikezie Ogbonna
For 61 years, St, Patrick College, Emene has continued to stand tall and espouse the very virtues of the patron Saint, St. Patrick which they are named after. Through their motto Fidelis Et Integra, Latin words that translates to Faithfulness and Integrity, the school has continued to witness tremendous growth in virtually all spheres and has effectively overcame the past challenges that however threatened her future.
As the school has made it customary to mark the annual St Patrick day every 17th March, The Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese has called on the faithful to enshrine the virtues of integrity and faithfulness in their life describing it as a cardinal and assured way to live a fulfilled life.
His Lordship speaking at St. Patrick College, Emene, Enugu on 17th March, 2021 as they celebrated the feast of St. Patrick, enjoined students of the college to imbibe the schools motto Fidelis Et Integra Which translates to Faithfulness and Integrity as their guiding principle which will enable them grow in excellence.
His Lordship described St. Patrick as not just the Patron Saint of the Church in Ireland but as well the secondary Patron saint of the Nigerian Church considering the many beautiful and significant ways his influence led to the development of the church in Nigeria and the world.
Driving in his emphasis as drawn from the life of St. Patrick, Bishop Obodo harped on the need to eschew bitterness and espouse that boldness to always forgive. According to him, St. Patrick forgave and that was why he started his mission from the very place he served as a slave before gaining his freedom back and venturing into priesthood. His lordship urged them to focus on God and watch him make them great.
Established 61 years ago, St. Patrick College named after one of the most revered Saints of the church, St. Patrick of Ireland has produced great men who have become notable and very important personalities in the society. Notably amongst them is the former minister of power, Prof. Barth Nnaji who is an active member of the old boys association of the school.
The school also has seen an efficient and significant contribution of the members of the old boys whom His Lordship appreciated for their kind gestures and encouraged the students to emulate them as role models.
In his appreciation, the principal, Rev. Fr. Chijioke Eze Thanked His Lordship for his presence and enjoined students to further hold to heart tenaciously the life lessons espoused by St. Patrick himself. He further appreciated the old boys led by Prof. Barth Nnaji, Priests present, the religious as well as the National President of the old boys, Dr. Patrick Ugwu.
Speaking further, the Principal enumerated some of the recent successes recorded in the school amidst the many other significant mile stones accomplished. Some of them include; the increased quality of formation leading to high enrollment rate as well as the excellent result in external examinations the school has recorded. Others include a newly acquired Mercedes 911 tanker for water supply in the school, a development of more revenue sources and animal husbandry as well as the increased number of teaching staff to cover all the subjects.
Currently, the Diocese added two more priests namely, Fr. Stephen Egbo as the Vice Principal and Fr. Peter Achara as the dean to join the principal in the management of the ever growing college.
However, Rev. Fr. Chijioke Eze called for more support for the school in many areas because according to him, the school is still work in progress.
While unveiling the school’s 9th Magazine, the former minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji commended the Principal, Fr. Chijioke Eze for his excellent service so far in reforming and restructuring the school. While recalling the past inglorious days of maladministration in the school especially the period it was still under government control, Prof. Nnaji praised the Principal as someone who toed the line of the famous disciplinary Msgr. Charles Ikeme who sometime in the past served as the Principal of the school and described Fr. Chijioke as a character builder and a transformer.
Cutting of cake in commemoration of the feast of St. Patrick, the unveiling and launching of the 9th edition of the school magazine as well as inter-house sport activities were part of the activities that crowned the event.
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