It was indeed grand as the Priests Welfare Home, Awka celebrated the 2024 Christmas Party for their elderly priests of Catholic Dioceses of Awka and Ekwulobia.
The event which was held at Priest’s Welfare Home, Awka started with a Pontifical Holy Mass at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, GRA Awka was presided over by the Bishop of Ekwulobia diocese, His Eminence Peter Eberechukwu Cardinal Okpaleke, who thanked God for the lives of the priests, who are not all necessarily old, but for one reason or the other live in the home.
In his homily, the Bishop of Awka diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor thanked God for the annual event which he said was for the coming of Jesus Christ. He reminded Christians that Christ is coming this time not in human flesh, but spiritually. So he urged them to prepare in spirit in order to welcome him.
Bishop Ezeokafor extolled the staff of Priests Welfare Home, especially the Director, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ifesinachi Udu for their effective services. He also thanked all those that render support to the home.
On his part, the Director, Fr Udu expressed his joy over the event, by giving God all the glory. He thanked each and every one that supports the home.
He said: “People of God are becoming aware that priests deserve to get the best at old age. They are not supposed to be abandoned.”
He also advised all to take care of their old ones as we will all get old.
An inmate of the home, a foundation member, Rev.Fr. Clement Peter Obianozie explained that he has stayed for nine years in the home. He described the event as very good even as he commended the Director, Fr Udu for being initiative and innovative. He called on every one to be peaceful as we expect to receive the Prince of Peace.
The National Chairman of All Progressiveness Grand Alliance (A.P.G.A.), Barr Sly Ezeokenwa who chaired the Christmas party said he came to appreciate the elderly priests for their active years in serving the church.
He urged people to keep faith and continue to run the race.
The great event attracted many priests from both dioceses, including Vicar General Awka diocese, Rev Fr Peter Akaenyi; Vicar General Ekwulobia diocese, Rev Fr Anthony Chiegboka; Vicar for Clergy, Ekwulobia diocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Umeorji, a number of religious, Noble Knights and Ladies and many dignitaries.
Highlights of the event included Christmas carols, cultural dances among others.