Fr. Oyekwe urges clerics to embrace contentment, marks Silver Jubilee
By Uzo Ugwunze
Rev. Fr. Godwin Oyekwe of St Raphael’s Catholic parish, Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State has encouraged young clergymen to embrace contentment and humility in their call and service to God.
Fr. Oyekwe porpularly called (Ezemuo) by admirers gave the counsel during his twenty five years anniversary of priesthood ordination saying that people should willingly accept anywhere the call of God takes them to.
According to Oyekwe, The day we took our oath of priesthood we accepted to go anywhere the people of God reside. It is not a matter of choice but service to God.
“I started at Mmiata Anam 25 years ago and they still recognize my Ministerial work in their lives that is why they are here. Staying there taught me ability to cope, adapt to any condition in life.
“Young ministers of the gospel should not only wish to be posted at seemingly lucrative or urban areas for Ministerial work. There is something they can imbibe from remote places because God’s people are there,”said Fr. Oyekwe.
The celebrator who was also addressed as Fr. Project said that he always focused on accomplishing any task or project he chose to embark on to a conclusive end.
In the address jointly signed by Mathew Nwankwo and Christian Ajaegbo the Parish Council Vice Chairman and Secretary respectively eulogized the achievements of Fr. Oyekwe at St Raphael’s Parish.
“Fr. Oyekwe’s principle is work, work, work. His achievements include reconstruction of church alter, finishing the architectural design and painting of church building, completion of the belfry with automatic electronic ringing bell.
“Completion of St Raphael’s plaza and making it functional.Solar Electrication of church premises. Completion of Rectory. Just recently he promised to asphalt the major entrance to the parish,”they said.
Elder brother to the celebrator, Chief Michael Nnekwelugo Ifeadikanwanne congratulated him saying that his priesthood was a divine call not as life opportunity.”This is just the starting point, more celebration awaits him”.
The Chairman of the occasion, Sir and Lady Charles Chibuko Akwolu, Mr Osita Uduaga from Our Lady of Lourdes parish Mmiata Anam prayed God to bless Fr. Oyekwe with longlife, good health and more grace.
Also, Chief John Udeanyi of St Paul’s Church,Aguleri otu described him as a good priest who established a secondary school in the parish when he was their priest wishing him to become a Bishop.
Mr Nnanyelugo Chukwuemeka of St Joseph’s Church,Abatete thanked God for such a priest wishing him golden and diamond jubilee celebration with good health.
Highlights of the event was the cutting of the silver jubilee priesthood anniversary cake, celebration of mass by the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha, His Lordship, Most Rev.Dr. Dennis Isizoh.(MOI)
