Dwelling place of God

ST MICHAEL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH AMUFIE ENUGU-EZIKE

Bishop Onah dedicates St. Michael's Church, Amufie

By Alphonsus N. Ogili

It was a day of great joy and jubilation for the entire faithful of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Amufie, Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State on 5th November, 2016 as the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah carried out chains of solemn rituals aimed at dedicating their newly completed church building.

The joy of the parishioners knew no bounds as their faces were beaming with smiles and admiration as they assembled in their large numbers at the parish centre to witness the epoch-making dedication and installation of the Blessed Sacrament in a church that was inaugurated as a parish on 5th October, 1995 when Rev. Fr. Charles Ushi was the parish priest.

Speaking in his homily, Bishop Onah thanked God for His mercy and love upon the people. He commended the effort of all who in various ways contributed to the success of the building project, assuring them of God's blessings. He prayed God to accept the prayers of the parishioners whenever they seek Him in the dedicated church. 

The Chief Shepherd remarked that one of the significant things brought about by the dedication of the church is that it now unites all the faithful from Amufie. He warned the brethren about their steady quest for signs and wonders, stressing that that is incapable of saving man. However, he noted that what brings salvation to mankind is doing the will of God. He urged them to maintain the culture of love and unity among one another.

Furthermore, Bishop Onah pointed out that the blessings of God that flows from the dedicated church will get across to all and sundry in the community and beyond unless it is blocked by the people with ungodly deeds.

Remarking that concrete place of worship is good but unavoidably perishable. He enjoined all Christians to allow God to build his temple in their hearts.

He said: "As we dedicate this church today, we pray God for His blessings to dwell in our hearts so that we can be clean and strong in Christ."

 

Father Bishop also lashed out at numerous members of the church who have continued to engage themselves in several irreligious activities while disguising themselves to be ardent faithful, remarking that the dedication of the church has brought a new beginning for the people of Amufie and the entire Enugu-Ezike at large.

Towards the end of the Holy Mass, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Celestine Okwy Eze took the floor to express his utmost excitement for the successful dedication and installation. While greeting everyone whose contributions manifested glaringly, he thanked Father Bishop for the pastoral visit, praying God to bless him and all who in one way or the other contributed to the actualization of the event.

Immediately after the service, a grand reception was held in honour of Father Bishop and his entourage that was made up of no fewer than 50 priests. During this period, refreshments and dances by some cultural troops were used to entertain the excited audience.

Before the commencement of the reception, a welcome address was presented by the parish council. In the address, the Catholic Community extolled bishop Onah for the visit.

"Father Bishop, the entire Amufie Catholic Community and Amufie in general cannot express our gratitude and joy enough to God Almighty for today; a day you have  done in Amufie what king Solomon did for the Isrealites in 1st Kings. Father Bishop, we heartily appreciate you," the address added.

St. Michael's Catholic Church, Amufie came into being in October, 1995 and was carved out from St. Mary's, Enugu-Ezike Parish at a time when the parish comprised of 6 village stations of Amube, Amufie, Ogbodu, Olido, Uda and Umachi.