Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, was filled with joy and gratitude on Monday as the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ozonwafor, hosted a solemn Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate God’s faithfulness and goodness in his life and that of his twin sister, Teresa Ozonwafor, and their mother, Mrs. Kate Catherine Ozonwafor, who both marked 50 years, and 85 years respectively.
The Eucharistic celebration, which commenced at 10:00 a.m., attracted priests, religious, family members, friends, and dignitaries from different walks of life, reflecting the deep bonds of faith, family, and community surrounding the celebrants.
The Mass was presided over by the Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. C.V.C. Onaga, who offered warm words of welcome and goodwill to the chief celebrant, Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Ozonwafor, Cathedral Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, as well as to his twin sister and their mother. The Bishop prayed for God’s continued blessings, long life, and good health upon the celebrants.
In his homily, the Administrator of St. Monica Girls Comprehensive College, Ogui, Enugu, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Amobi Ogbu, reflected on the Word of God in relation to thanksgiving, healing, and God’s abiding faithfulness in the life of Fr. Ozonwafor and his family. He urged the faithful to always acknowledge God’s hand in their lives, especially at moments of joy and milestone celebrations, reminding them that gratitude deepens faith and strengthens Christian witness.
After the Post Communion Prayer the Bishop offered special prayers and blessings for the birthday celebrants—Mrs. Kate Catherine Ozonwafor, Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Ozonwafor, and Teresa Ozonwafor. The Cathedral resonated with a joyful rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song as the celebrants were warmly acknowledged.
Family members later joined the celebrants for special moments at the altar, marking a deeply emotional and prayerful atmosphere before the conclusion of the Mass.
In his vote of thanks, Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Ozonwafor began with a song, expressed profound gratitude to God for His faithfulness. He thanked the Bishop for personally celebrating the Mass with his family, acknowledged the presence and support of the clergy, and appreciated all guests who came to share in their joy.
During his address, Fr. Ozonwafor also shared a touching personal story about his early struggles and family challenges, testifying to how God’s grace sustained and uplifted them over the years. He disclosed that about 80 percent of the celebration was sponsored by friends, whom he gratefully acknowledged for their generosity and love.
The Bishop, in his closing remarks, spoke briefly but warmly about Fr. Ozonwafor and his family, wishing them continued joy, peace, and God’s abiding blessings. The Mass ended with group photographs taken outside the Cathedral.
Immediately after the Mass, guests proceeded to KOBB Civic Centre, ShopRite, Enugu, for the reception. The event opened with remarks by Mr. Charles Ozonwafor, followed by an opening prayer.
The cutting of the birthday cake was led by the 85-year-old celebrant, Mrs. Kate Catherine Ozonwafor, amid applause and jubilation. Goodwill messages followed, including a message delivered in the Igbo language by Igwe Jude Onoh, who prayed for long life and prosperity for the Ozonwafor family.
Traditional music later filled the hall as cultural dances commenced. Guests joyfully showered monetary gifts on the celebrants, especially the mother, whose energetic dance drew admiration and excitement from the audience. Family members, including the twin celebrants, later joined on the dance floor as the celebration intensified.
Several dignitaries and notable personalities graced the occasion, including Rev. Fr. Nnamdi Nwankwo, Prof. Chinedu Ani, Rev. Fr. Christian Aneke, the Vice Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Dr. Francis Agbo, Dr. Ike Chioke and his wife, Yvonne Chioke, Managing Director of Afrinvest, as well as Bianca Odinakachukwu Olivia Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Chinedu Ozonwafor, the third son of the family, also delivered a speech on behalf of his mother, whose age made it difficult for her voice to carry. He expressed deep gratitude to God and thanked all those who supported the family over the years.
Amb. Bianca Odinakachukwu Olivia Odumegwu-Ojukwu also delivered a goodwill message, wishing the celebrants well and praying for God’s continued blessings upon them.
The celebration concluded with prayers, blessings, music, dancing, and expressions of goodwill as guests continued to rejoice with the Ozonwafor family on their remarkable milestones.
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