John Nwaigwe
Bishop Ukpong Dedicates First Parish In Umuahia Diocese, St. Theresa’s Parish, As The Parish Celebrates 100 Years Centenary Anniversary
It was a moment of joy, celebration and thanksgiving to God as priests, religious and other faithfuls of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia Joined parishioners of St Theresa’s Parish Umuahia to celebrate the 100 Years Centenary anniversary of the creation of St Theresa’s as a parish and the solemn Dedication of St. Theresa’s Church Building.
Speaking during the event, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Kalu Ukpong extolled the doggedness, zeal of parishioners of St Theresa’s Parish in making sure the church building which was built in 1927 (97 years ago) is dedicated to God. The Chief Shepherd of Umuahia Diocese who was filled with joy on the magnificent look of the Church Eulogies the parish priest of St Theresa’s Parish, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Kalu for a Job well done especially on the design of the Church Sanctuary/altar.
In his own speech, the Parish priest, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Kalu paid tribute to the founding priest of the parish, Rev. Fr. Daniel Walsh an Irish missionary priest and his team for all his efforts in establishing the parish and building a strong Catholic faith in the hearts of members.
He appreciated the parishioners of St Theresa’s for all their financial and moral supports during the renovation work of the church building, he described the parishioners as wonderful and supportive members and prayed God to bless them for all their contributions.
It will be recalled that St Theresa’s Parish Umuahia was created in 1925 as a parish and thus became the first parish created in the entire Diocese of Umuahia which got across 6 LGAs of Abia State ( Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano LGAs) and the parish and church building once served as seat and cathedral of Old Owerri Diocese and Umuahia Diocese respectively.
Some of the highlights of the event includes ;
Signing of the certificate of dedication by the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong and Dance performances by different groups and organizations within the Catholic community of the mother parish of Umuahia Diocese.
Amb. Nwaigwe John Sunday.
Reporting.
