- Says no deity has the power to take life
The faithful at St. Johncross Parish today 27th July welcomed the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, for the blessing of the newly constructed Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grotto and the Infant Jesus Nursery and Primary School classroom block, owned by the parish.
In his homily, Bishop Obodo condemned the resurgence of idolatry and abandoned traditions, now being revived by the youth and their supporters. He warned against the darkness these practices could bring if not addressed promptly.
“No deity has the power to take life,” Bishop Obodo stated. “The fear instilled by these deities is a manipulation by their adherents. The church, on the other hand, represents progress and brings light into every aspect of life.”
Highlighting the church’s role, Bishop Obodo emphasized its commitment to education, health, and enlightenment. He announced that on August 15, the priests of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) and some Reverend Sisters will organize a free medical exercise as part of the August meeting.
“The church is here to help, to build, and to dispel ignorance,” Bishop Obodo said. “For years, the church has been a bearer of light and will continue to be so.”
The Parish Pastoral Council in an address read by the council vice chairman, John Okongwu, they praised the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Chiene, for his exemplary leadership and efforts to elevate the parish’s spiritual and physical needs. Under Fr. Chiene’s guidance, the parish has embarked on constructing a grand church building, settled land disputes, and secured missing lands.
Rev. Fr. Chiene has also initiated a modern classroom block with six classrooms, a staff room, and other facilities, starting the project with his own funds and support from Fr. Amobi. The school, founded in 1998, received approval in 2023 during Fr. Chiene’s tenure. He has also organized a free health campaign for the parish, among many other initiatives, earning him praise as an ideal priest, educationist, and leader.
In his response, Fr. Chiene expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hallmark Amobi, a key benefactor instrumental in building the grotto. He also highlighted the importance of the school, describing it as a gift to the people of Awha Ndi Agu. Despite initial challenges, he vowed that reviving the school would be his parting gift to the community.
Bishop Obodo encouraged parishioners to take advantage of the scholarship board set up to support Awha residents in pursuing higher education, regardless of denomination. He also announced partial scholarships for the top three graduates, covering their next year’s school fees in full.
The ceremony was a testament to the church’s enduring commitment to the spiritual and physical development of the Awha Ndiagu community.
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