By Chikezie Ogbonna
The beautiful atmosphere of St. John the Beloved Apostle Parish, Greenland Estate, RCC Quarters, Enugu, came alive as the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, embarked on a spiritually enriching three-day pastoral visit. The visit, which commenced on Friday, September 13, 2024, and concluded on Sunday, September 15, 2024, marked a significant experience for the parish and its faithful.
A Spiritual Pilgrimage to Strengthen Faith
Bishop Onaga’s visit was deeply anticipated by the parishioners, who gathered in large numbers to receive their spiritual shepherd. Over the course of three days, the parish witnessed a series of liturgical celebrations, spiritual reflections, and moments of communal prayer, which culminated in a profound message of faith and commitment to the teachings of Christ.
On the final day, Sunday, September 15, hundreds of candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation gathered before His Lordship to receive the Holy Spirit. This sacred moment, a high point of the visit, saw the Bishop administer the sacrament, anointing the candidates with Chrism and bestowing upon them the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The significance of the day was not lost on the congregation, many of whom expressed a renewed sense of faith and commitment to living out the gospel in their daily lives.
Blessings of New Additions to the Parish
Following the Confirmation Mass, Bishop Onaga proceeded to bless two newly erected symbols of faith within the parish grounds. The first was a grand statue of St. John the Beloved Apostle, the parish’s patron saint, which now stands as a reminder of the Apostle’s unwavering love for Christ. The second blessing was for a newly constructed prayer center, dedicated in honor of the Bishop himself. This prayer center, which will serve as a spiritual refuge for parishioners seeking quiet communion with God, is expected to become a focal point for prayer and reflection within the community.
A Call for Steadfastness in Faith
In his homily, Bishop Onaga urged the faithful to remain resolute in their faith amidst the challenges of modern life. He reminded the congregation that the life of a true Christian is one that reflects the teachings of Christ. “Our faith should not only be professed with words but also lived out in our daily interactions,” he said. His Lordship further called on the parishioners to continue upholding Christian values, emphasizing that their lives should serve as a testimony to the love, compassion, and forgiveness that Christ embodies.
Appreciation from the Parish Leadership
In response, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Owoh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Onaga for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the parish. Fr. Owoh highlighted the spiritual impact the visit had on the community and commended the Bishop for his unwavering support of the parish. “Your visit has renewed our spirits, and we are immensely grateful for your leadership and pastoral care,” he said.
Fr. Owoh also extended his thanks to the parish community, particularly Rev. Fr. Amobichukwu Agu, the Parish Vicar and Chairman of the Planning Committee, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of the three-day event. He praised the committee for their dedication and hard work in organizing a memorable and spiritually enriching experience for all who attended.
Parishioners Reflect on the Impact
The Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, HRM Igwe Dr. Chike Onodugo, was full of praise for the Bishop’s visit. Speaking on behalf of the parish community, Igwe Onodugo highlighted the blessings that the parish had received, both spiritually and in terms of the physical developments that had taken place. He expressed profound gratitude to Bishop Onaga, describing him as “a father to all, whom we can always turn to in times of need.”
Dr. Onodugo also commended the leadership of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Owoh, who he said had guided the parish with wisdom and humility. “Fr. Owoh’s leadership has fostered a spirit of love and unity within the parish, and we are grateful for his dedication to the spiritual growth of the community,” he said.
A Community United in Faith
As the three-day pastoral visit came to a close, there was a palpable sense of unity and joy among the parishioners. Many expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to witness the blessings bestowed upon the parish and to participate in the liturgical celebrations led by their Bishop. For the parish of St. John the Beloved Apostle, this visit was not only a time of celebration but also a reaffirmation of their collective commitment to living out the faith.
Bishop Onaga’s visit to St. John the Beloved Apostle Parish will be remembered as a moment of spiritual renewal and growth. The blessings of the newly erected statue and prayer center will stand as enduring symbols of the faith and dedication of the parish community, while the Sacrament of Confirmation marked the beginning of a new chapter for the many young Catholics who received it.
As the parish looks forward to the future, they do so with renewed vigor, inspired by the words of their Bishop and strengthened in their resolve to remain steadfast in their faith, just as St. John the Beloved did in his life as a disciple of Christ.
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