St. Michael the Archangel Parish Awha Imezi on Monday, December 29, 2025, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the priestly ordination of the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, alongside the silver jubilee of the final religious profession of his younger sister, Rev. Sr. Dr. Angelita Obodo, SJS.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration, held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Awha Imezi, was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus C. V. Onaga, and concelebrated by Bishop Obodo and other priests. The Mass also featured the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to about 47 candidates.
Reflecting on the rich Christian heritage of Awha Imezi, it was recalled that the first missionaries arrived in the community in 1918, with the old church building—still standing—constructed in 1927. A century later, in 2018, one of their sons, a fruit of that missionary effort, Bishop Ernest Obodo, was ordained to the episcopate.
In his homily, Bishop Obodo expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of the priesthood and for calling his sister to religious life. He described the jubilee as a moment of “rejoicing and renewal,” noting his deep joy at being celebrated by his people 25 years after they gathered for his thanksgiving Mass following his priestly ordination. He cautioned against the resurgence of neo-pagan practices, particularly among young people, and appealed for continued prayers.
Towards the end of the Mass, Rev. Sr. Dr. Angelita Obodo, SJS, delivered the vote of thanks. Bishop Onaga thereafter blessed her and offered special prayers for her mission.
In a gesture of appreciation and support from friends, well-wishers and parishioners alike, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Chukwuka Onyia, presented a car to Sr. Angelita to assist her in her missionary and medical apostolate.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Vita Ndu; the Mother General of the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour (SJS), Rev. Sr. Resurrecta Agu, SJS; the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie; and the Dean of Aguobuowa Deanery, Rev. Fr. Victor Ubaka, alongside numerous priests, religious, and faithful.
As part of activities marking the jubilee, Sr. Angelita, a medical doctor, earlier organized a free medical outreach for members of the community, underscoring the spirit of thanksgiving and service that defined the celebration.
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