A cleric, Rev. Fr. Cyril Ozioko, has urged Christians to imbibe virtues of forthrightness and truth in order to build a community and neighbourhood of reconciliation and peace.
Ozioko gave the charge during a homily on Sunday at the First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving of newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Samuel Ali, held at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Umuopu in Enugu-Ezike community in Enugu State.
The mass featured Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu Foundation (OEOF) donation and presentation of a brand new car to the newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Ali.
The OEOF Foundation also instituted a scholarship scheme for two fresh senior seminary students from Umuopu in Enugu-Ezike community and a monthly stipend of N100,000 for the parish priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Umuopu, Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Ugwu.
Ozioko, who spoke on the sidelines of the theme: “What About Your Own Faith”, said that the Christian faith is about the ministry of reconciliation and peaceful co-existence.
The cleric noted that a true child of God would not tear or scatter people apart but always help to pull people together.
According to him, by being instrument of peace and reconciliation, it will be clear to the great witness of people around us that we are truly of Him and duly follow Jesus Christ footsteps.
“We must be peace builders as Christians and ensure we truly reconcile people around us, who live in hate and disagreement especially on temporal things or issues of this passing World,” he said.
The cleric also urged the faithful to continue in their prayers of faith as well as good work as they await a progressive and prosperous nation.
“With faith in God, everything is possible especially to him who truly believes.
“We must drop fear, negative perception and notion but face the future with positive faith that things must surely get well.
“When we trust God, we should do it whole-heartedly. As the Lord that called us unto righteousness and truth is always faithful on His own part,” he said.
For the newly ordained Rev. Fr. Ali, the cleric urged him to stand out in his priestly duties, work of charity and mercy towards everybody around him especially the Christian community.
“Remember, you have been consecrated for life; and you must focus on your ministry and reflect on it daily.
”You must be patient, listen to people, be humble, do not get greedy, and wait for God’s personal uplift,” he advised.
Responding, the newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Samuel Ali, thanked everyone that came for the thanksgiving as well as OEOF foundation for the donation of a brand new car to him and other donations to the Church.
Ali, who was consecrated from the Holy Ghost Fathers Order, said: “I am overwhelmed with you great show of love to me and my new ministry and I assure you that by God’s willing, your prayers and support; I continue to make you proud”.
Speaking, the Founder of Owelle Ejikeme Odumegwu Foundation (OEOF), Dr Ejikeme Odumegwu, said that his foundation was poised to assist the Church to achieve a holistic socio-cultural and religious transformation of the people.
Odumegwu, who is also the Owelle of Nsukka, said: “Before now, the foundation has renovated all the police stations in Enugu State and given numerous educational and skill empowerment scholarships to many youths in Enugu State.
“The foundation has off-set hospital bills of indigent sick patients in various hospitals and supported some churches building construction with thousands of bags of cement among others.”
