~ Calls For Protection Of Christian Values By The Church.
The industrial town of Nnewi was agog yesterday as the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi installed a new bishop with 115 Catholic parishes in Nnewi were present to formally witness the installation of the new catholic bishop of the diocese, after the retirement of the bishop emeritus Most Rev Hilary- Paul Odili Okeke.
The event which kicked off with a homily by the apostolic nunciature, His Eminence Antonio Guido Filipazzi, had 47 bishops in attendance led by the president of the Catholic Bishops Council Of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze.
It's worthy of note that the charismatic bishop emeritus, Most Rev. Hillary Okeke (Nna Ora), served as the Pioneer bishop of the diocese for 20 years since the 10th of February 2002, one year after it's creation in 2001. The bishop, going down memory lane, gave emotional valedictory speech at the installation of the new bishop, and called on the Catholic community in the diocese to give the newly installed bishop all the necessary support required to promote the work of God. Bishop Hillary Odili Okeke, also took out time to praise the efforts made by Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, for his commitment, through his personal fund and single handledy building the cathedral.
Senator Ubah, while talking to journalists after the church service, called for concerted efforts at arresting the current moral decadence prevalent amongst the youths. Senator Ubah however lamented what he called the "destructive effect of sustained attempts by tainted politicians at influencing the body of Christ negatively, and called on the clergy to watch, pray amtd guide diligently against such manipulations ". When asked why he made the decision to build the house of God (Cathedral), he said that his actions were as divinely directed by God in line with his vision for the spiritual and physical sustenance, nurturing and development of humanity. He assured the bishop of his continued support and prayers.
Speaking, further the newly installed bishop of Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Bishop Jonas Okeke commended Senator Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah for his efforts in building the cathedral. He said, “I want to specially commend Senator Ifeanyi Ubah for his immense sacrifice and commitments in building the cathedral to the level it is now. Ubah has done wonderfully well"
The event was witnessed by many dignitaries including the State Governor, Gov. Willie Obiano; the Governor elect, Professor Chukwuma Soludo; a former Governor of the State, Mr Peter Obi and many others.