Emene Deanery marked a significant milestone on April 1, 2024, as it celebrated its 2025 cathedraticum, with a heartfelt call from the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Calistus Valentine Onaga, urging the faithful to cultivate faith, love, and support for Enugu Diocese.
The Cathedraticum, held at St. Joseph’s Parish Emene, commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Onaga. In his homily, the Bishop commended the congregation for their unity and generosity, emphasizing the importance of love, faith, and social responsibility.
Bishop Onaga highlighted the significance of the cathedraticum, a time-honored tradition where parishes come together to support the Diocese through donations. He noted that the faithful’s contributions transcend financial gifts, representing a profound expression of love and devotion.
The Bishop expressed his gratitude to the three bishops in the Diocese for their collective efforts and to the faithful for their unwavering support. He explained that the funds raised would be allocated towards vital projects, including scholarships, seminarians’ feeding, construction of the Cathedral Arena, and aiding the poor.
Bishop Onaga specially recognized the dedication and commitment of Father Victor Eze, Dean of Emene Deanery, in uniting the priests and supporting the local community. He also extended his appreciation to other religious institutions and the faithful for their ongoing contributions to the deanery’s success.
His Lordship emphasized the importance of unwavering faith in God’s power to heal and provide, referencing the day’s gospel which was story of the healing of a crippled man, he was healed through his faith in Jesus. He reminded the congregation that Jesus is always willing to hear their prayers and that persistence in faith is important.
The Bishop also encouraged the faithful to pray for Nigeria’s improvement and peace, acknowledging the country’s challenges. “In the face of hardship, we must believe that God will help us and make Nigeria better,” he said.
Bishop Onaga stressed the importance of the weekly Rosary Procession, held every Saturday, which is compulsory for all. “We pray against insecurity, and it is through prayer and action that we will make a difference,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Bishop advocated for self-sufficiency, encouraging the faithful to cultivate their farms to reduce hunger. He also reminded them of the importance of honesty, warning against the dangers of spreading misinformation, especially through social media.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Onaga appealed to the congregation to be vigilant and responsible citizens, urging them to be their brother’s keeper and report any unusual or suspicious activities to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Victor Eze thanked the Bishop, for his visit and commended the faithful for their unwavering support for the Diocese.
he also extended his gratitude to Very Rev. Msgnr. Geoffrey Agwuigwo, the Vicar general, Very. Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie, members of the Curia, Monsignors, priests, religious, church organs, institutions and everyone present. He also recognized the presence of Hon. Raymond O. Ugwu, Representative of Enugu North Constituency.
Rev. Fr. Uche Nnaji, the financial administrator, presented a comprehensive report on the previous year’s cathedraticum and highlighted the Diocese’s achievements.
Different parishes, organizations and institutions in Emene deanery present their gifts to the Bishop.
Very Rev. Msgr. Agwuigwo expressed his gratitude to God for the celebration’s success and commended the faithful for their generosity. He also thanked Bishop Onaga and other dignitaries for their presence.
The highlight of the occasion was the Bishop’s announcement of the creation of two new parishes: St. Theresa Parish, Nkwubor-Nike, and St. John Parish, Eziama(Idodo). Bishop Onaga prayed for God’s strength and guidance for the faithful.
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt prayer for blessings upon the faithful, as Bishop Onaga thanked everyone for their continued support and commitment to the Diocese.
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