The joy of Umuorji people, Mgbidi in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State knew no bounds on December 9, 2023 as the community dedicated St Mary’s Catholic Parish in Diocese of Orlu.
The event which attracted a college of priests from Catholic Diocese of Orlu and beyond also witnessed the presence of political actors including the Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, traditional rulers, captains of industry and business gurus.
Mr Obi took the first reading from the Book of Isaiah chapter 40 verses one to five and verses nine to eleven as part of the consecrated mass to commit the church to the hands of God.
Speaking later, Obi said he specifically came to Umuorji for the Church dedication. He noted that the Church was built by the community, adding that there were those God used as instruments to ensure that the Church was built.
He commended Hon Collins who he said God had used to help his community. He urged him to continue to do the right thing for the benefit of his community and Nigeria at large.
Proded to digress and talk about the state of the nation and Imo politics, Obi declined and walked away.
In his brief sermon, the Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev Augustine Ukwuoma who officiated the dedication prayed for God’s presence to dwell in the Church.
“We are here to consecrate this Church and not only the Church, we should consecrate ourselves and keep ourselves holy as the temple of God.
“David in the scripture attempted to build a house for God to please Him for having seen him through in his warfares. But God told David through Prophet Nathan that he should not build a house for Him for his hands were full of blood but rather permitted his son Solomon to build the house of God.
“When Solomon built the house for God, God purified the temple built by Solomon and the people of Isreal appealed to God to always answer their prayers each time they prayed at the temple. That’s what we have come to do today, “the Bishop said.
He enjoined the community members to keep the house of God holy. He also instructed them to always advise against killing and blood spilling, to ensure they live holy life.
He noted that the Church was well built with the necessary facilities for the comfort of the worshippers and a beautiful altar to match. He described the completion and dedication of the Church as a dream come true.
” We praise the undaunted efforts of the Catholic faithful of St Mary’s Catholic Parish, Mgbidi for dedicating your parish Church. The sacrifice of your past Parish Priest and your incumbent Parish Priest, Rev Fr Aloysius Abaneke are highly commended.
“The Church is the soul of every community, therefore, I thank all those whose donations especially your son, Hon Collins Ezenwa Ilo, facilitated the dedication of this Church today.
“Through thick and thin, heedless of cost in cash and in kind, council and committee, individual and groups, you have all succeeded in erecting a magnificent mansion for God. I invoke God’s blessings upon you all, “the Bishop said.
In his comments, Hon Ilo prayed God would dwell in the dedicated Church and bless those who gathered for the dedication.
Series of felicitations were poured by all segments of the Church which included members of the laity council, women groups, business men and women, civil servants, among others.
High point of the event were elaborate and sumptuous dishes for the audience and cultural display.
