Catholic Priest  Admonishes  Christians  To Be Hopeful

FEW days to Christmas, Rev. Fr. Mark Nwoko has admonished Christians to be confident in their faith and never despair as God will always send a helper to them.

Fr. Nwoko spoke  at the first annual festival of Nine Lessons and Carols of Maris Academy, Amachai-Okpanam, Oshimili North local government area of Delta State.

According to the Catholic Priest who took the 9th lesson and delivered a brief message, “we are here to appreciate God for sending His son for our sake. ”

“The story of Christmas is the story of hope, through the lessons and hymns, we should be confident that God is always there for us and will always send a helper,” he said, adding, “what is required of us is to have faith knowing that God is our father.”

Fr. Nwoko who is the Priest in charge of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ugbolu, Oshimili North local government area of Delta State continued, “the Lord is capable of taking care of us; as we prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christmas, we should draw ourselves closer to God, He will not dissappoint us.”

Earlier in a welcome address, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo on behalf of the Chairman, Goverrning Council of the school, Sir Ken Olise said, ” this festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is very important as we anticipate the great feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; the prayers and scripture readings, the great hymns and the soaring music of the choir will be, by the grace of God, our Christmas tradition.”

“Our Nigeria of today is full of uncertainties but, we have faith that proper upbringing of children, fervent prayers for peace, goodwill and understanding rising with hymns and carols can make the difference,” he said, disclosing, “the gate of Maris Academy was opened to pupils and students in the month of September, 2018 following a successful thanksgiving  Mass celebrated by an array of Catholic Priests at the school compound on Wednesday, July 25, 2018; standard facilities in tune with 21st century learning environment will not be compromised as international standards with great attention to the rich cultural heritage of Nigerians will be adhered, to ensure that students of Maris Academy compete with their peers anywhere in the world.”

Rev. Fr. Malachy Okonkwo of the Catholic Church of the Ascension was also at the event where the Chairman, Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Hon. Chris Osakwe (KSJI) took the first lesson.

Former Commissioner for Energy in Delta State who is currently, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly, Ndokwa West Constituency, Hon. Charles Emetulu was there with his wife, Christy.

The Commissioner for Land, Survey and Urban Development, Hon. Chika Ossai was represented at the occasion by his wife, Anwuli while renowned technocrat, Sir Anthony Obuh, banking guru, Mr Godwin Ossai; Director-General of Asaba Capital Territory Delevelopment Agency, Oduah Clem Ofuani represented by Mr Godfrey Ubaka, the Chief Inspector of Education in charge of Oshimili North local government area, Mrs M.L. Oju represented by Mr Golden Tabowei, members of Knights of St. John International – Sir Donatus Igboin, Sir Godwin Iyawa, Sir P. A. B. Iyawa, Sir Mike Onianwa, Lady Patricia Nwawolo, and Lady May Inije were also at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

St. Cecilia Choir of Catholic Church of the Ascension sang at the occasion which was also, attended by the Director of Administration, Ministry of Land, Survey and Urban Development, Mr Theo Bayoko, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okowa (Media),  Mr Nelson Egware, Chairman of the Asaba chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Comrade Paul Osuyi, Chairman of Indegenious Chapeel of NUJ, Comrade Barth Ozah, Comrades Festus Ahon, Okungbowa Aiwere,  Felix Igbekoyi, Godwin Udoh, Prince Nosa Akenzua, Mrs Gloria Oteri of Ministry of Economic Planning, Mr Dennis Medi, delegation from the Okpanam Youths Association, members of the Parents Teachers. Association of the school, pupils, students, among numerous others.