More than 250 candidates receive the sacrament of confirmation at St John’s parish Agbogugu

1. More than 250 candidates receive the sacrament of confirmation at St John’s Parish Agbogugu.

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus brought a remarkable memory to the parishioners of St. John Parish Agbogugu. The Catholic Bishop of Awgu diocese, Most Rev. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye confirms more than 250 candidates.

The program began with the Eucharistic celebration some minutes after the hour of ten. The Chief celebrant of the mass was Most Rev John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye, the Catholic Bishop of Awgu diocese, flanked by the Parish priest and the Rector of St. Vincent de Paul Minor seminary Agbogugu: Rev. Frs Igbokwe Ucheabuofu Malachy and Okwuosa Zikodi and concelebrated by a good number of priests available.

In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Awgu diocese, Most Rev. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye explained the solemnity of the Sacred heart of Jesus. He laid emphasis on the love that the heart of Jesus is a heart filled with. He encouraged the candidates to follow the example of Christ in showing love to their neighbours. The reception of the Holy Spirit in their hearts should be heavily marked by a prodigal display of love, charity and selfless services to their neighbours and the less privileged in the community. Citing that the love of God can only be fully evidenced in its display towards their neighbours. He called on the candidates to show their love in imitation of Christ. Christ-like attitude is paramount in their lives. He later gave them a six month instruction to choose a particular indigent members of the community.

After the homily, the actual confernment the Holy Spirit into the candidates began. The Bishop surrounded by the priests in attendance prayed for, conferred and anointed the candidates.

The consecration of the Sacred Species immidiately followed the thanksgiving and the offertory collection. The choir of St. Vincent de Paul Minor Seminary Agbogugu were simply at their best. Their choral renditions were just excellent. With full orchestral instruments and seasoned players from the minor seminary, the liturgical music of the mass is simply angelic.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, the members of the parish led by the vice chairman who providentially was amongst the recipients of the sacrament of confirmation pledged before the Bishop that their Church will be ready for dedication before December 2024.

The Bishop had a photograph with the candidates after the mass. The whole parish went to the parish hall for the reception. The whole program went on to the glory of God.

It was a spirit filled event. It brought a lot happiness to the people. Marking them with inner joy and happiness which was a distinctive fruit of the Holy Spirit.

God bless the Bishop
God bless St. John Parish Agbogugu
God bless the confirmed candidates

Fr Romeo Ogbonna

Reporter