By Chinenye Dike
St. Paul’s Parish, Awkunanaw, was filled with joy and gratitude on October 27, 2024, as Very Rev. Fr. John Chukwuemeka Uke marked his 25th priestly anniversary. Fr. Uke’s remarkable journey began in 1982 at Sacred Heart Seminary, Nsude, and he was ordained a Catholic priest on August 14, 1999, by Most Rev. Dr. Anthony O. Gbuji.
Over the years as a Priest, Fr. Uke has demonstrated exceptional compassion, humility and dedication, earning the respect and admiration of his parishioners. His ability to connect with people has made him an exemplary priest and servant of God.
The anniversary celebration started with a holy Mass headed by the celebrant Very Rev. Fr. John Chukwuemeka Uke.
In the Homily by Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, The Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, emphasized on Christ’s salvation and the authority bestowed upon priests. He stressed that priests are called to serve despite their imperfections, and their duty is to bring joy by helping parishioners remove sin through confession and reconciliation. Priests should proclaim and preach Christ, in order to lead people to seek for God’s mercy.
He advised the congregation to pray in dialogue, sharing heart desires with God and not assume that Christ sees their heart. Just like Bartimaus the blind beggar in the Gospel, kept calling on Jesus to have pity on him till he heard him and healed him, he urged them to have faith in Christ and remove fear from their heart, trust God’s guidance and to keep calling on God till he have mercy on them.
Fr. Anieke praised Fr. Uke’s compassion, humility, church and community development, love for youth and hard work describing Fr. Uke as a joyful, hardworking and compassionate priest, renowned for building churches or parish houses in every parish he has served. He recalled their journey through the seminary as classmates and one time roommate buttressing that he is a good man who has impacted so much on people around him. He highlighted Fr. Uke’s dedication to serving God through his Gift.
Fr. Anieke prayed for God’s continued guidance and strength for Fr. Uke, acknowledging his 25 years of priestly service.
In a brief speech by Rev. Fr. Aguigwo, he thanked God for his grace upon Fr. Ukeh in his priesthood. He praised Fr. John for his hard work and prays for God to give him grace to carry on with his work. He presented the Blesaings Pope Francis sent to him from Rome.
Parishioners from the parishes he has served came in their numbers to celebrate with Fr. John bearing gifts and prayers.
Rev. Fr. John Uke in his vote of thanks appreciated everyone that came in to celebrate with him, he thanked the Monsignors, priests present, the Reverend sisters, his parishioners both present and past, his home parish, family, friends and well wishers. He also extended his gratitude to Most Rev. Callistus Onaga for his well wishes.
The celebration was attended by dignitaries, clergy and faithful from across the state and beyond.
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