BY VICTOR NWEGEDE
Rev. Fr. Boniface Akachukwu Nwebe was ordained a Catholic Priest by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J.V. Obinna, the Catholic Achbishop of Owerri Archdiocese at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, Imo State on Saturday 7th August, 2021.
He subsequently held his first Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday 8th August, 2021 at Holy Family Parish Ekebeliigwe Ishieke, his hometown in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The newly ordained Priest described his ordination as an accomplishment for God and all humans, calling for a continuous support and prayers for him to graciously deliver his mission.
He prayed God's blessings upon the Parishioners, relatives, friends and well-wishers who contributed to the success of his ordination.
Fr. Nwebe lauded the contribution of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Nkem Chukwu and described him as a dependable Shepherd of God.
In a joint address signed by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Chukwu and the Vice Chairman Parish Council, Mr Vincent Nwebonyi, the parishioners described the event as a memorable one.
"Today has been distinguished as a memorable day for the people of Holy Family Parish, Ekebeliigwe Ishieke. It is indeed an auspicious day for us that one of our illustrious sons has been elevated to the holy order of Catholic priesthood. This most sincerely gladdens our hearts. To us, it is a great privilege that God has in his infinite goodness chosen from among us a priest after His own heart despite our weaknesses as humans," the address hinted.
The address also stated that Fr. Boniface Akachukwu Nwebe was chosen by God for the sacerdotal order of Catholic priesthood and the parishioners were most delighted to rejoice while celebrating with him to the glory of God Almighty.
The Parishioners who welcomed the newly ordained Priest, said they 'are proud' of him for having proven to be the true son of their land, stressing that his presence during the event indicated that God has come down to live with them through him.
The address added: "Father Boniface, it is possible to vividly remember that from your childhood, you have often displayed exceptionally good attitudes that distinguished you from others. This therefore, suggests that the position you have attained today is not actually a surprise to us but 'a dream come true.' To have successfully passed through the rigorous and tedious stages of the seminary training to get this level shows your level of doggedness, commitment and persistence. To me, it may not be too ambiguous to state here that we all know that the road you have traveled is not an easy one. As uch, it is often said, "uneasy lays the head that wears the crown." For us, you have been a genius and an epitome of great valour."
The Parishioners further in the address extolled the fatherly care of their Parish Priest, Fr. Innocent Chukwu, commending his contribution for the success of the event.
"We the members of Holy Family Parish Ekebeliigwe Ishieke have continued to grow in love of God and humanity under the auspices and spiritual guidance of our dear Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Nkem Chukwu. He has been the brain behind all the great achivements we recount today. Of course, he has remained the Ekwueme I of Holy Family. Ever since his arrival to this very parish, we continued to grow spiritually, morally, socially and Infrastructural. The evidences of his good works are innumerable and they are laid bare for you to see for yourself. For several years now, we have always had every course to celebrate," they said.
While presenting their gifts including a brand new car to Fr. Nwebe, the Parishioners begged the Priest to consider it as a token and a sign of love from their hearts.
They also appreciated the parents and guidans for the willingness to give their child as a sacrifice for the glory of God, wishing them and individuals who contributed to the success of the event, blessings of the Lord.
In his remark, Dr. Isaiah Mgboshi who chaired the occasion congratulated Fr. Nwebe for making the Parishioners and particularly the Ekebeliigwe Ishieke people proud as the first indigenous priest from the village, hosting the Holy Family Parish.
While wishing the newly ordained Priest God's wisdom, protection and good health, Dr Mgboshi thanked the parents, guidans and all the members of the parish for their solidarity and support which according to him, made the event colourful.
Also, the Chairman of the Ordination Committee, Mr. Chemberlyn Mgbabor expressed joy over the successfulness of the event and described it as a great feat for the parishioners.
He appreciated all the contributors to the success of the ordination especially the Parish Priest, Fr Chukwu, his committee members, leaders of sub-committees, Parish Council, stakeholders, the illustrious sons and daughters of his village, Ekebeliigwe Ishieke and beyond.
He therefore, stated that he felt accomplished in the task given to him as the chairman of the ordination and advised the newly ordained Priest to keep making them proud, wishing him God's enablement to deliver his mission successfully and to the glory of God Almighty.
Meanwhile, the PDP Youth Leader in Ebonyi State, Barr. Obinna Iteshi, the Secretary of Izhi Tehu Foundation, Hon. Solomon Uzoke, some stakeholders from Ekebeliigwe Ishieke Village, Prince Patrick Akputa, Mr Raymond Nwebonyi Oge, Surv. Fidelis Amechi Nwenu, and numerous others who interacted with NATIONAL PANEL during the occasion applauded the Priest for making the Parishioners proud and wished him a successful service in the vineyard of God throughout his lifetime on Earth.
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