St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Ihebinowerre, was filled with joy and thanksgiving on Sunday, June 28, as the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Thomas Obiatuegwu, blessed the parish’s newly completed Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. The bishop represented the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, at the memorable event.
The chapel, which now serves as a sacred place for prayer and quiet encounter with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, was initiated by the late Mr. Remigius Ukonu before his untimely demise. Following his death, the project was brought to completion through the generous support of Engr. Chinedu Onyejelem, thereby fulfilling the noble vision of its pioneer benefactor.
Following the rite of blessing, Bishop Obiatuegwu presided over the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, during which he imparted his episcopal blessing on the congregation.
In his address, the bishop expressed profound appreciation to the sponsors of the chapel, the Parish Pastoral Council, and the entire parish community for their commitment to the growth of the parish. He described the Adoration Chapel as a sacred house of prayer and divine encounter, emphasizing that it should always be approached with deep reverence and not treated as a place for social gatherings or distractions.
As a mark of gratitude, Bishop Obiatuegwu presented gifts to the sponsors on behalf of the parish. He also commended the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Anumnu, for his dedication, pastoral zeal, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual and structural development of the young parish.
Speaking with Forum Newspaper shortly after the ceremony, Mrs. Amaka Ukonu, widow of the late Mr. Remigius Ukonu, expressed deep gratitude to God for granting the family the grace to witness the completion of the project. Overcome with emotion, she remarked that her late husband’s dream had finally become a reality.
According to her, her husband had always desired to build a house for the Lord before building his own family house. She thanked Rev. Fr. Anthony Anumnu for his untiring efforts in ensuring the completion of the chapel and also expressed appreciation to Engr. Chinedu Onyejelem for his invaluable support. She prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon all who contributed to the project and for the peaceful repose of her husband’s soul.
St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Ihebinowerre, was inaugurated on August 26, 2023, by the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, with Rev. Fr. Anthony Anumnu serving as its pioneer Parish Priest. Since its inauguration, the parish has continued to record remarkable growth in its spiritual life, human development, and physical infrastructure, with the completion of the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel marking yet another significant milestone in its journey of faith.
