By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba
The Catholic Diocese of Awka and the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, this Wednesday, December 16, 2020, celebrated the old and the retired priests of two Dioceses, on the occasion of a maiden Christmas party, organised in their honour.
Leading in the concelebrated Holy Mass to mark the event, at the Priests’ Welfare Home, Awka, Anambra State, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, said it was to celebrate the old and retired priests Of the two dioceses, who were ordained between 1965-1979.
In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor, said the event was to remind the laity of the need to remember, visit, pray for and care for the aged and the retired priests, at the home and their various parishes.
The bishop, urged the laity to contribute to the care of the aged priests, who he said, served the Church, God and humanity with their young age, noting that such goodwill, would encourage the young priests.
He urged the laity to think of what they would do for their priests, and not only what the priests would do for them.
Speaking to Fides, the Director, Priests’ Welfare Home, Awka, Rev Fr Emma Udu, said the party was to celebrate the high priest of God.
For his part, one of the old priests, Rev Fr Ikem Oliobi, said he was delighted being celebrated alongside his brother priests at the event.
Cutting of the event cake, special music renditions, among others, were highlights of the well-attended event, which Fides gathered, was co-organised by some lay faithful.
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