The Church was resplendent with the presence of worshippers dressed either in the beautifully designed blue coloured Golden Jubilee attire or in the white dresses worn for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation; there was boundless joy in the heart of all, everyone was excited. Yes. They had to be the way there were and feel the way they felt because it was the golden Jubilee Celebration of the erection of the Parish, St. Anthony’s Ewatto. The joy of the day was double because on that historic Saturday, the 26th of October 2019, his Lordship, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, the Bishop of Uromi Diocese equally administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 117 persons.
His Lordship was full of gratitude to God and to all who have been part of the success story of the Church. “A day like this is an occasion to say thank you to the Reverend Fathers who planted the faith. It is a day of joy. We also thank the footsoldiers, the forerunners of the priests, Catechists who spend their time teaching Catechism, helping children understand the faith.” He likewise expressed gratitude to the community of Ewatto for their hospitality. He prayed for all those who helped in the growth of the Church and have departed this world that God may grant them a place of rest, happiness and peace.
As Shepherd of souls, His Lordship exhorted all to be steadfast in faith. “As we celebrate 50 years of the existence of this Parish, the Bishop noted, it is good to know where we are as Christians and practice what Jesus says we should do.” In his remarks at the Anniversary celebration, the Onojie of Ewatto Kingdom, His Royal Higness, S.O. Ikhumen expressed joy at this milestone celebration. Asserting that the Church has taught values, he admonished all to be proud and zealous in attending to things about the Church and about the community.
As part of the anniversary celebration, there was fund raising towards the building of a new Social Centre.
In his vote of thanks, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okosun appreciated the Bishop for making a great sacrifice to be personally present at the celebration despite his very engaging schedules during the period and for administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to 117 persons. He also thanked the Onojie of Ewatto Kingdom, and his Chiefs for being part of the celebration and for their support. Having thanked the priests, consecrated persons, Catechists, Sons and Daughters of Ewatto and all who were present and part of the celebration, he prayed for their wellbeing and for that of the community.
To God be the glory for the success of the celebration and may the faith continue to grow in the land of Ewatto.
Comments are closed.