By Ehichioya Steve Odion
It was a moment of joy and happiness at St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church, Ikpoba Hill, Luck Way in Benin City during the weekend as Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benine City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze officially dedicated St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church to the Glory of God.
Information made available to the Groove Watch News indicate that St. Patrick's Catholic Church came into existence in 1974 with Monsignor as the first Chaplain.
He said history is been made at the Archdiocese today with the former dedication of St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church. He commended the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. (MAJ) Michael Nwafor and the parishioners for making the project a reality.
He also thanked those who donated their resources and time to ensure the project was completed, and those who started the project but no longer alive to witness the dedication.
"With this dedication of this church today, It has become a house of God and a sacred place where people can come and discuss with God. It is no longer an ordinary house. It is now a holy place because of the presence of Christ in the Tabernacle".
The man of God enjoined the Parishioners to continue to propagate the word of God wherever they go in order to win more souls for God, adding that as children of God we cannot continue to live and still remain in sin. "Let there be transformation in your life. You must be ready to communicate the word of God to others'.
"The church is a place to listen to the word of God. Avoid distraction, because word of God is hope. The church will no longer be a place where all manner of activities will be going on. Alter must be treated with respect and orderliness".
The Groove Watch News further learnt that St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church suffered many setbacks in attempt to make it dedicated.
We also learnt that the hope of finally dedicating the church came alive as soon as Rev. Fr. Michael Nwafor was posted to the churh in June, 2021. As soon as he assumed office he challenged the Parishioners to be ready to support him as he vowed to work and dedicated the church in October, 2022 despite the enormous work he met on ground.
We learnt that in order to succeed he (Rev. Father) started making financial donations from his pocket towards the building just to encourage the members. This time the Parishioners do no longer need a prophet to convince them that Fr. Nwafor was serious and very ready to keep to the October 2022 he promised to dedicate the church. Within a short time the building started taking a new shape.
Apart from his personal contribution he started bringing his friends to also support the church financially. With the full cooperation of the Parishioners history was made this weekend with the successful dedication of St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church after 48 years of existence.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Nwafor who was highly elated for a dream come through thanked the Acting Director Chaplain Services (RC) Nigeria Army, Col. Very Rev. FR. AF Maimagani for posting him to St. Patrick's Military Church to actually this memorable dream.
He also thanked the Archbishop for all the support he got from him throughout the period of building the church to the day of the dedication.
Above all, he equally expressed his gratitude to the entire Parishioners whose effort he said cannot be quantified, adding that today history was made in the Archdiocese of Benin City.
Fr. Nwafor said he will ever remain grateful to God for using him to actualise this laudable project for the children of God.
On his part, the 1st Vice Chairman, Pastoral Council of the Church, Mr. Christian Eze thanked Archbishop Akubeze for coming to dedicate the church. He recalled how the Archbishop have always come to the rescue of the church whenever they are facing any difficulties.
He also thanked the Parish Priest for fulfilling his promise by working hard to ensure the church was dedicated. He said Parishioners cannot be left out as their effort and cooperation brought the project to fruition.
The dedication was climaxed with a reception at the church premises.
Post a Comment