Archbishop Okeke visits st.Joseph catholic church odoakpu Onitsha, commissioned parish school structure, confirm 403 for holy ghost baptism
By Eche Nwaobasi- Nnewi
The Chief Shepherd of catholic archdiocese of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke last Sunday, March 22, 2026 paid a pastoral visit to st.Joseph catholic parish odoakpu Onitsha
The joyous occasion witnessed the blessing and commissioning of the Shanahan Nursery and Primary School building built by the parish, and the confirmation of 403 candidates etc.
Preaching a sermon during the occasion, the archbishop enjoined Christians to have faith in God, emphasizing that it is the key to conquering sin and pleasing God.
Said he to the joyous congratulation,”Through baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, and He will continue to live in us except when we start committing sin; the Holy Spirit departs from us. We die every day by committing sin because sin is death. Those living in the flesh cannot please God. If you allow the Spirit of God to live in you, He will always help you to conquer sin, and even at death, the same Spirit of God will raise you. When the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you can see yourself doing good, being compassionate, charitable, honest with people, and selfless,”
Also in a welcome address, the parish expressed profound gratitude to the Archbishop for his visit and praised him for his numerous accomplishments in the Archdiocese, especially the establishment of Shanahan University as well as other lives enhancing projects in the Onitsha catholic archdiocese.
The parish also extolled the parish priest, Fr. Simeon Nwabuife, for taking the parish to a new height, describing him as a dynamic and ebullient priest who has the interest of his parishioners at heart.
Responding, the local ordinary commended the parish priest, Fr. Nwabuife, for his commitment and hard work .
Responding,The parish priest,Rev Fr. Nwabuife, in his remarks, expressed unalloyed gratitude to the Archbishop for the visit, stating that the parishioners had been yearning to receive him.
He thanked the parishioners for their usual support and cooperation, urging them to remain committed to their faith.
Adding their voices,The Vice-Chairman of the parish council, Chief Peter Nwagbo, the CMO president, Mr. Peter Amuh, and the Pastoral Visit Committee chairman, Mr. Clement Ani, in their remarks, expressed joy over the visit, stating that their faith had been refreshed.
They also rained accolades on their parish priest for his selfless sacrifices and fatherly care.
Contributing also,The CWO president, Mrs. Ngozi Ibisi said the visit is a faith boosting event adding that the Catholic community had already started witnessing new blessings emanating from the coming of the Archbishop.
She commended the parish priest for his fatherly role in the parish, describing him as a passionate and loving priest who carries everyone along
Speaking to newsmen immediately after the conclusion of the event, the parish priest Rev fr Simeon Nwabuife thanked God for making the occasion a success.
Asked his view on which area he will like the state governor Prof.Chukwuma Soludo to give a top priority, the respectful , working parish priest said he would advised the governor to look into how to provide regular electricity in the state.
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Rev.Fr.Simeon.Nwabuife
Parish priest st Joseph Catholic church odoakpu Onitsha
