By Ehichioya Steve Odion
It was a joyful moment for the Esan group at the St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church, Lucky Way, Benin City last Sunday when they troopped out in their numbers for their New Year Thanksgiving.
During the Thanksgiving the atmosphere was electrifying as it was soul lifting with parishioners irrespective of their affiliations, singing praises to God in thanksgiving to the alter.
The Esan group appreciated the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Nwafor who graciously allowed them to dance to the alter doned with the traditional costumes of the Esan acrobatic dancers called "Igbabonelimin' that added beautiful colour to the thanksgiving.
Shortly after the ceremony, the group moved to the reception ground to entertain invited guests who came from different parishes and other areas to celebrate with them.
In his remarks, the chairman of Esan group, St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church, Mr. Friday Ugbesia said the group decided to go for the Thanksgiving having realized all what God did for them through out the year 2024.
He thanked those that came to celebrate with them despite their busy schedules. He wished them safe journey to their various homes.
On his part, the chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Daniel Akhabue thanked God for the unity he saw among the Esan Group in St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church.
He said despite his commitment to other activities, he decided to honour the invitation because of the love he has for the Esan people.
He praised the committee that put the event together, just as he emphasize the need to always teach our children Esan language, adding that if we fail to do that, the language may go into extinction.
He thanked the Esan group for the opportunity given to him to chair the occasion.
Earlier in his homily during the thanksgiving, the Parish Priest of St. Patrick's Military Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Michael Nwafor titled his message " The Significance of the Word Of God"
Fr. Nwafor described the word of God as alive and very active, adding that it is sharper than a sword and capable of cutting any thing that is not of God.
"The word of God binds us together and unites us. It also brings unity to all tribes and makes us equal before God. The word of God eliminates hatred and it's founded on love".
He said as Christians, we are given the rules and regulations on the best way to serve God, adding that Christians must abide by them. He further said that the children of God must listen to the word of God attentively to avoid distractions such as pressing of phones and gossiping while the man of God is preaching.
Continuing, Fr Nwafor said the word of God is a spiritual weapon that is meant to fight any battle that is being faced by His children. He again said that the same way the word of God unites us, it also brings out the differences in us.
In his goodwill message, the chairman of Igbo Group in the parish, Mr. Ibe Ifeanyi Emmanuel said the gathering was meant to share unity among themselves, adding that he came with his people to prove that we are one in Christ.
"You must endeavour to support your leaders in the this group so that they will continue to do well", Ibe concluded
Other guests that were present at the event include Mr. John Ikpefua from St. Fidelis Parish and Mr. Ebor from St. Jude Parish.
The committee did very well by ensuring there was enough foods and drinks for the guests.
Post a Comment