The Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, presided over the Opening Mass for the new academic year 2025/2026 for all Catholic schools in the diocese on Saturday, coinciding with the Solemnity of All Saints. The ceremony took place at the Chapel of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) in Enugu.
Representatives from various Catholic schools throughout the diocese were in attendance, marking a unified start to the academic session under the theme of holiness and moral excellence.
In his homily, drawn from the liturgical readings of the Solemnity, Bishop Onaga urged students to aspire to sainthood through exemplary behavior. “Both young and old can become saints,” he said. “Saints are people who are capable of committing sins but refrained from them because of their love for Jesus.”
The Mass concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Fr. Chime Alphonsus. He expressed gratitude to the Bishop for his ongoing love and pastoral care. Additional thanks were extended to the Executive Chairman of the Post-Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB)—Fr. Dr. Hilary Mgbodile, Education Secretary 1 Fr. Jude Nzekwe, Education Secretary 2 Fr. Mike Okoh, and the Principal of CIC, Very Rev. Fr. Oliver Ngwu.
Fr. Alphonsus also acknowledged the contributions of teachers, school administrators, pupils, students, non-tutorial staff, and the choir from OSISATECH Girls Secondary School for their beautiful rendition.
Following the Mass, a ceremonial march past was held, during which the Bishop received salutes from participating schools. The event wrapped up with entertainment and refreshments for the attendees before they departed for home.
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