Bishop Onah installs Blessed Sacrament at St Judes's Parish Eburumiri Ibagwa -Aka

Eburumiri: Bishop Onah installs Blessed Sacrament at St. Jude’s parish

By Alphonsus N. Ogili

It was cheers and jubilation by the Catholic Faithful of St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Eburumiri, Ibagwa-Aka in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State on 29^th September, 2016, following the installation of the Blessed Sacrament in the parish chapel by the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah.

The parish wore a colourful and cheery atmosphere as the pastoral visit was marked by jubilations and unquantifiable songs of praise to God by members of the parish and the entire community who happily turned out en masse at the parish-centre to witness the epoch-making installation.

Delivering a homily during the celebration of the Holy Mass that marked the beginning of the installation ceremony, Bishop Onah, who was accompanied by no fewer than 15 Rev. Frs. remarked that the day’s service is symbolic because it was specially aimed at showing respect for the Holy Eucharist.

He said: “His Angels are the first to worship Christ in the Holy Eucharist; but in the presence of the Angels, we adore our Lord. Therefore, let us be thankful to God who gave us the gift of His son who is now with us in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.”     

Still on the sermon, Father Bishop continued: “Since it is His wish that we will have a place where Christ will abide forever, let us truly accept His coming; let us truly accept this blessing and pray Him to effect remarkable changes not only in our midst as Christians, but also, in the midst of all the people of Eburumiri community.”

Bishop Onah further noted that the parishioners do no longer have to travel far and wide in search of the Blessed Sacrament as it is now installed in their parish chapel.

"Our Lord Jesus Christ is now here with you in Eburumiri; He will abide here forever,” he said.

Rev. Fr. Athanasius Emeka Agbo - the Parish Priest, in a vote of thanks, expressed happiness for the peaceful installation and was grateful to God and Bishop Onah for the visit, praying God to bless all who contributed to the success of the occasion.

A welcome address was also presented by the Catholic Community. The Parish, through the address, extolled Father Bishop Onah for the installation.

"This day, according to the Psalmist, is indeed a day of joy, divinely planned; a day that the Lord has made that we shall rejoice and be glad. Today, history has been made in St. Jude’s Catholic Parish, Eburumiri, Ibagwa-Aka. Therefore, it is with great joy and gratitude to God that we welcome everybody here today.

“The journey of the parish house building which started 5 years ago is coming to an end with the blessing of the parish house and the installation of the Blessed Sacrament. This has brought about the fulfilment of the long dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of this parish,” the address added.

The Parish Parish, Rev. Fr. Athanasius Emeka Agbo spoke with our reporters.

“We thank God for giving us life and strength to continue to strive to see the fulfllment of this aspiration and dream. I am very glad and happy that Christ is now fully with us. We now have a place to pray and consult him in times of difficulties.

“Our Father Bishop, in his homily, made us to understand that the source of our strength is in the Holy Eucharist and as friends Christ, we have the power to overcome satan because Christ is superior. I advice my parishioners to continue to adore Christ in the Holy Eucharist,” Fr. Athanasius said.

Towards the end of the installation ceremony, a grand reception was held for Bishop Onah and his entourage. During this period, refreshments and dances by various cultural troops were used to spice up the event. Various gift items were also presented to Father Bishop by members of the community.