St. Leo the Great Parish, Federal Housing, Enugu, was aglow with celebration on Thursday as parishioners gathered for the blessing and inauguration of the parish’s newly reconstructed Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, Grotto of Our Lady, and a new Baptismal Font. The grotto and chapel of Adoration had undergone major renovations.
The historic liturgical event was presided over by the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus V. C. Onaga.
The Mass, which began at 5:00 p.m., drew a large congregation.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Onaga noted that the faithful had gathered for a “triple celebration” — the dedication of the baptismal font, the blessing of the chapel of adoration, and the inauguration of the grotto in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Delivering his homily, Bishop Onaga underscored the theological significance of each of the three rites. He emphasized that baptism is the gateway to Christian life, noting that “one who is not baptized is not yet a Christian.”
Speaking on the Holy Eucharist, he posed the question, “What is the Holy Eucharist?” After the congregation responded, he explained that the Eucharistic celebration is the heart of the Church, where “the mission of Christ — to offer himself in sacrifice for humanity — is accomplished.”
On the newly built Chapel of Perpetual Adoration, he reminded the faithful that it is a sacred place where they “go to see Jesus,” urging them to approach the chapel with reverence and avoid every form of desecration. He also highlighted the interconnectedness of baptism, the Eucharist, and adoration, stressing that one cannot fully appreciate Eucharistic worship without first entering the life of grace through baptism.
Turning to the Grotto of Our Lady of Mercy, Bishop Onaga warned against “neopagan practices—”ezenwanyi”—and false spirituality,” urging the faithful to place their trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He emphasized the power of the Rosary, noting that Mary remains “our refuge and safe space,” and that any challenge that resists the Rosary is “only a test of patience.”
After Holy Communion, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Ambrose Agu, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the Bishop for honouring the event, and acknowledged the presence of the Dean of Nkwo-Nike Deanery, Rev. Fr. Celestine Chidi Nwogbu; Very Rev. Msgr. Anthony Anijelo; Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike; Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. Nicholas Omenka; Rev. Fr. John Offor, Diocesan Liturgist and Assistant Secretary; and Rev. Fr. Charles Ezeonu, Personal Secretary to the Bishop.
He also appreciated other priests in attendance, including Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agu, Rev. Fr. Philemon Ugwu, and Rev. Fr. Vincent Iwuchukwu, Director of The Choice Flame Newspaper.
Fr. Agu further thanked the parishioners for their generosity and acknowledged key contributors to the project such as Mr. Alex Anichebe, Engr. Ani Stanley, Arc. Arinze Onah, Mr. Emmanuel Okereke, Engr. Chidi Onuorah, Mr. J. C. Onuorah, among many others. He also thanked the associate priests of the parish, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh and Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Chime, for their support.
Bishop Onaga offered special blessings upon the benefactors, encouraging them to continue supporting the Church’s mission. He then proceeded to bless the baptismal font, followed by the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration and the Grotto.
Following the ceremony, parishioners eagerly visited the newly blessed grotto and chapel to pray and receive blessings.
The celebration concluded with prayers for continued divine guidance, a more vibrant local Church, and a more peaceful society in Nigeria.
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