From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Director of Justice, Development, and Peace Commission/Carnitas(JDPC) Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Rev Fr Benedict Chima Madubuko Okolo on Sunday celebrated his twenty fifth year priestly ordination.
The celebration which attracted eminent personalities from far and near took place at St Peter Claver’s Parish, Odida Nnewichi, Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State, amidst pump and pageantry.
In his homily, Rev Fr Peter Ezeji Uzoma who made reference to the Gospel reading from Luke 18: 9-14, noted that the publican went home justified with God while the Pharisees did not.
Rev Fr Ezeji noted that a priest can be likened to a soldier in the war front battling seen and unseen enemies and forces.
He said there is serious need for prayers for priests who are majorly abandoned and neglected by the same people they are intervening for day and night.
Fr Uzoma recalled that at the critical period when persons ran away from their communities because of the fear of the unknown occasioned by insecurity, the priests like soldiers remain at their duty posts inspite of serious threats to their lives.
He said there is need to thank God on behalf of Rev Fr Okolo who he remained true to his calling for the past twenty five years.
“I appealed to the people of God to continue to pray for Very Rev Fr Dr Benedict Okolo to continue to live holy life and continue to carry out the responsibility of of his priestly ordination.” He said.
In a brief remarks, an excited Very Rev Fr Dr Okolo appreciated all the persons who contributed in no small measure to make the occasion grand.
He thanked the Priests, Rev Sisters and other people who make out time to be part of the priestly ordination ceremony.
In an elaborate reception that held at Okolo’s expansive compound at Odida Nnewichi-Nnewi, encomiums were poured on the celebrant by the guests who had beautiful things to say about Very Rev Fr Dr Okolo.
The high point of the reception was the presentation of a brand new Toyota Corolla and other mouth watering gifts to the celebrant.
In an interview with journalists, the former President General (PG) of Nnewichi-Nnewi, Chief CY Okolo thanked God for His sustaining grace upon his brother who has been serving the faithfully for twenty five years.
Very Rev Fr Dr Okolo was ordained on August 19th, 2000.