Diamond Jubilee: Archbishop Ibezim showers gifts on retired catholic priests, orphans, others

Ecumenism was at it’s peak weekend when the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD donated food items to retired priests of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra State. 

The gifts were delivered to the priests during the Bishop’s visit to the Catholic Priests’ Welfare Home at Aquinas Catholic Church Awka, the Anambra State capital. 

Delivering the food items to the retired priests,  Archbishop Ibezim said it is in commemoration of his 60 years diamond jubilee birthday celebration, which was celebrated on Friday, August 5th, 2022. 

He said the gesture was in the spirit of ecumenism to celebrate his old colleagues who are no more in the active service.

Receiving the gift items, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Revd Paulinus Ezeokafor recalled that the idea to build the home was borne out of the desire to provide care for the retired priests so they don’t feel lonely and abandoned.

He commended Bishop Ibezim for thinking it wise to visit the retired priests and noted that the visit alone was enough to reassure them that they are still important members of the church and society.

Reacting on behalf of the catholic priests, Monsignor Simon Amateze  described Ibezim as a unique and accommodating personality and noted that the gesture will continue to inspire the priests. 

In a similar development at the Emmaus House, Awka, Archbishop Ibezim also donated a bag of rice and seven thousand naira each to retired Anglican priests who, he said, devoted their lives to church service.

Earlier, Archbishop Ibezim accompanied by his wife, Nneoma, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim JP and other church officials donated food items and writing materials to Faith Community Children’s Home, and encouraged the management to continue their good work of training the children to become useful members of the society.

Also reacting, the manager Faith Community Children’s Home,  Ifeoma Agu, thanked the Archbishop for the gifts and prayed God to enlarge his coast to give more to the church and society.