By Chinenye Dike
On March 17, 2025, St. Patrick College Emene celebrated its feast day and inter-house sports competition. The event, which drew a large crowd of students, teachers, parents, and old boys, was a resounding success.
The day’s event began with a holy mass celebrated by the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo.
In his homily, Bishop Obodo reflected on the life of St. Patrick, highlighting the saint’s unwavering faith, resilience, and commitment to service.
Bishop Obodo encouraged the students to emulate St. Patrick’s exemplary qualities, emphasizing the importance of hard work, love for one’s country, and selfless service. He also challenged the teachers to be role models, inspiring their students to excel in behavior, morality, and academic pursuits.
Specifically, he advised the teachers: “If you are a teacher, are you influencing anybody? You are lucky, you are so blessed because you have children, you have a future in your hands to mold them according to your good conscience and prepare them for their future. You have the opportunity to transform their lives. And if you do, when they grow up, they will love you. You will always have a part of you in the life of the students.”
Bishop Obodo also emphasized the importance of love for work, love for one’s country, and the spirit of service, which he noted is fast disappearing in our midst today.
He advised the students on excellence in behavior, morality, hard work, intelligence, and radical discipleship, urging them not to let their negative background define them. He also cautioned them against bad behaviors such as jumping outside the school to take drinks, not taking siesta, and causing chaos in the dormitory.
Furthermore, Bishop Obodo advised the students to study diligently and shun examination malpractice, urging them to distinguish themselves in excellence, not negativity.
To the candidates for confirmation, Bishop Obodo advised them to be mature in faith and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
His lordship promised to reward the most hardworking teacher with fifty thousand naira and the most hardworking student with twenty thousand naira.
The Principal of the college, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Francis Eze, in his brief address welcomed everyone present and expressed his gratitude to Bishop Obodo for taking time to celebrate with the college community. He also commended the bishop for his humility and acknowledged the presence of priests, PSSMB represented by the directorate of sports —Mrs. Franca Owo, parents, teachers, old boys including Osy Sam Ede, Onowu of Emene , Chief Nwandu Eric, Dr P.N. Ugwu and everyone else in attendance. He thanked the dean of Students, Rev. Fr. Peter Achala, Rev. Fr. Kennedy Onuigbo- Vice Principal Administrator for their hard work and dedication towards the school.
Following the mass, the inter-house sports competition kicked off with a colorful match pass by the different houses in St. Patrick College, accompanied by their invited schools, John Igwesi Memorial Grammar School, Community High School Emene, Basic Foundation Secondary School Emene, St. Joseph Secondary School Emene, MIC School Enugu.
The unveiling of the school magazine was another highlight of the event. The publication, which showcases the students’ literary and artistic talents, was met with enthusiasm and praise from the audience.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion, Sir Osy Sam Ede, an old student of the college, shared his personal testimony of the impact of St. Patrick College on his life. He commended the school for its efforts in transforming the institution and urged the students to be serious-minded and focused, so they can make a positive impact on society after graduation.
The inter-house sports competition featured a range of exciting events, including race competitions, cultural dance presentations, and more. The students displayed remarkable teamwork, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm, making the event a memorable one.
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