By Chinenye Dike
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Valentine Onaga, officially blessed the Diocesan Therapeutic Center in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu today 7th February 2025. The center, founded under the Diocese’s initiative, aims to provide therapeutic care to individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, and also in keeping with the identity of the Church as a reflection of Christ who healed the sick.
The event started with a Holy Mass celebrated by the bishop, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, with some priests of the diocese in attendance.
During his homily, Bishop Onaga emphasized the importance of setting realistic expectations and being cautious with promises, referencing the Gospel story of Herod’s promise to the daughter of Herodias, which led to the beheading of John the Baptist. He urged the congregation to put a limit on the promises they make and not overstretch it.
Speaking on the purpose of the rehabilitation center, he said “everyone at a point needs counseling in order to keep going and that is the importance of a rehabilitation center like the Diocesan Therapeutic Center, emphasizing that the center is a beacon of hope for many who have lost their way. The Center will serve the purpose of helping our brothers and sisters who have challenges to be reintegrated back into the society hale and hearty.
His Lordship commended the management and staff for being committed to their mission while acknowledging the need for continuous support from people.
He prayed that God grants them the resources and strength needed to fulfill the purpose of the Therapeutic Center.
In a welcome address presented by the Director of the Therapeutic Center, Rev. Fr. Benet Ugwu, he expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging the event as an answered prayer. He referenced the Psalmist, emphasizing that it was the Lord’s doing and a moment of great joy for everyone involved in the center.
He extended appreciation to all those present for witnessing, supporting, and blessing the initiative, which aims to rehabilitate individuals affected by addiction and mental health challenges. He remarked that many who were once neglected by society had now found a voice through the center’s establishment.
Fr. Benet commended the Catholic Diocese of Enugu for its leadership in empowering priests to serve in this capacity. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of Monsignori Anthony Okeke, Christopher Ofordile, and Evaristus Nwamadi, along with Frs. Boris Eze, Christian Onyigbuo, and others who had worked individually before being brought together by the diocese to collaborate in running the center. He expressed gratitude to the bishops and members of the Curia for granting them the opportunity to serve the Church and humanity.
He acknowledged the goodwill and collaboration of the Enugu State Government, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Gender Affairs.
Addressing the families of the center’s clients, he recognized the emotional and financial burdens they carried, particularly the sleepless nights and sacrifices made for their loved ones’ recovery. He reassured them that they were not alone in the journey, and promising continuous support and expressing hope that financial aid would eventually be secured to ease their burdens.
Fr. Benet went on to thank the numerous friends and colleagues who attended within a short notice of time, stating that their presence was deeply appreciated. While he acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the center, he emphasized that they would not request financial support but instead sought the goodwill and benevolence of their guests toward the center, its clients, and their families.
A special tribute was given to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, counselors, security personnel, cooks, and cleaners, whose unwavering commitment had sustained the facility. He singled out Dr. Obayi, who had worked selflessly for over two years without remuneration, describing him as an example of true sacrifice.
Concluding his remarks, he thanked everyone once again and offered refreshments thereafter.
He prayed for their safe journeys and expressed hope of welcoming them again in the near future.
The Patients entertained the guests with a short drama displaying the importance of seeking professional help in a rehabilitation center.
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