Bishop Onah installs Blessed Sacrament at St. James, Umakash

Bishop Onah installs Blessed Sacrament at St. James, Umakashi

By Alphonsus N. Ogili

St. James' Catholic Parish, Umakashi in Nsukka, Enugu State was filled with people from various nooks and crannies of the town and beyond following the installation of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel of the parish by Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka on 4th November, 2016.

The parish wore a colourful and cheery atmosphere as the pastoral visit witnessed unending jubilation and unquantifiable songs of praise to God by members of the parish who happily gathered to witness the event.

The installation ceremony commenced with the celebration of a Holy Mass by bishop Onah who was assisted by some priests.

In his homily, bishop Onah began: "Except you eat of His flesh and drink of His blood, you will have no life in you. Anyone that eats the flesh of the son of man and drinks His blood, I shall dwell in him, and such a person will dwell in me."

Expressing dissatisfaction over how some Catholics have failed to value this special gift of body and blood of Christ bishop Onah remarked that the people of Nsukka Asadu are very lucky ones. He noted that as the Blessed Sacrament has been installed in their chapel, Jesus is now dwelling with them forever unless they chase Him away with sins.

Father Bishop further noted that man cannot prevent God from achieving His aim but rather can only prevent himself from receiving His blessings. He commended the parishioners for the timely completion of the parish house, saying that it is a glamorous building.

He continued: "What I am begging the people of Nsukka Asadu to do is for them to accept Christ with an open mind; let them accept the teachings of Christ and their land will be blessed."

Urging the brethren to put on the armour of faith, bishop Onah remarked: "But as I always say, if your faith is not bigger than this house, know it that you have built it for nothing. The first place that Jesus dwells is in our hearts. It is only when He dwells in our hearts that His presence in the chapel can bear us good fruits." 

While praying God to receive their prayers to be one in Christ, Father Bishop thanked God for the gift of the Sacrament, urging the Catholic Faithful to remain strong in their faith. He was also thankful to all those who contributed in the project, praying God to bless them abundantly.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Paul Nnana was very delighted and in his speech, praised God for giving them life to be gathered in the parish to bear witness to the installation.

In his words: "It is a wonderful event. This is beyond our explanation. It is only God in heaven that can explain the joy we feel in our hearts. We thank bishop Onah for his effort in making St. James a parish. And today, despite his tight schedule, he is here once more to make sure that Christ dwells in our parish." He prayed God to bless and strengthen him in his good work in Nsukka diocese.