26/04/2026
“To grow in one’s vocation entails being with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to act in our hearts and in the circumstances of life, and reinterpreting everything in the light of this gift” - the homily of His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke during the Holy Mass for the Solemn Dedication of St. Flannan Catholic Church, Igboukwu.
Earlier today, April 26, 2026, Fourth Sunday of Easter(Good Shepherd Sunday), the people of God gathered at St. Flannan Catholic Church Igboukwu for the solemn dedication of their newly built Church building. It is indeed a joyful and landmark event for the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Hilary Etuodichukwu Okpalaji and the entire parish community. The event of the day began with a Holy Mass which was presided over by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke.
During his homily, His Eminence reminded the parish community that dedication of a Church building is an invitation and indeed a call to a stronger faith. He reminded all present that the Church should be filled with prayer, not just on Sundays. His Eminence said that the Good Shephherd Sunday is an opportunity to pray for vocations, for Bishops and priests as well as for everyone entrusted with the shepherding role.
His Eminence highlighted some important points from the recent message of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV for the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The Holy Father invites us to explore together the truly beautiful path of life along which the shepherds guide us. The Holy Father also demonstrates that Christian vocation reveals itself in all its depths as a participation in the life of Jesus, by sharing in his mission and reflecting His beauty. The Holy father also reminds us that we are invited to know God through prayer, listening to the Word, the sacraments, the life of the Church and the works of charity for our brothers and sisters. The pope reminds us again of the need to cultivate firm and steadfast trust in God’s promises, without ever yielding to despair. The Holy Father explained that vocation is not a fixed point, but a dynamic process of maturation sustained by intimacy with our Lord.
His Eminence added that to grow in one’s vocation entails being with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to act in our hearts and in the circumstances of life, and reinterpreting everything in the light of this gift. The Cardinal encouraged the young people especially to cultivate their personal relationship with God through daily prayer and meditation on the Word.
Reception continued after the Holy Mass at the parish premises. The chairman of the occasion, Engr. Bart Nwibe, FNSE (Ugo Igboukwu) was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Umenwa (Ebube Chukwu Uzo n‘Igboukwu). The Kola Nut ritual was performed by His Royal Highness Igwe Alexander Ejikemeuwa Azike, the Idu III of Igboukwu. The welcome address was delivered by Mrs. Laeticia Okonkwo. The parish choir added a wonderful flavour to the event with their welcome song. There were also cultural displays during the event.
Below are the picture highlights from the event:
