-Handed the Maniturgium to her Mother
-Thanks to the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese and Vicar-General of Owerri Archdiocese
-Says he is grateful to his family and friends
-And promised not to disappoint them and God.
It has been weeks of hearty and zesty activities for the family of Onuoha in Isiala Mbano LGA as one of their sons, Rev. Fr. Anthony Chukwuebuka Onuoha attained another milestone in his tortuous and tedious walks to serving in the vineyard of Jesus Christ as a Priest of the Roman Catholic Church.
The journey that began at Seat of Wisdom Seminary School, Ulakpo, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria; advanced into critical phases of preparation under Catholic theology and liturgical observation and training from being indoctrinated into the Catholic formation, graduating from the seminary, being called into a “Holy Order” by a Bishop as a Deacon and finally receiving his Order and be ordained a priest.
All these years counted in good and hard times, but God helped Fr. Anthony Chukwuebuka Onuoha to succeed and was ordained a priest by Most Rev. Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi (CMF), of Ahiara Diocese on Saturday, 7th of September, 2024 amidst jubilation.
This was followed by a Celebrating his “First Mass” on Sunday 8th of September, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Parish, Umuknwo, Mbama, a Mother Parish from where St. Theresa Amauzari Parish, St. Benedict Amaraku, and St. Johns Umuokoro Umuknwo all in Mbama in Isiala Mbano LGA, Okigwe Diocese emanates.
The Vicar-General of Owerri Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Reginald Egbu, graced the First Mass which gave the occasion a colorful outlook by his presence.
In his remarks, the Vicar-General thanked the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwaoha his team, and all those who had come to celebrate with my son, Rev. Fr. Anthony Chukwuebuka Onuoha, and his family as he prayed for safe trips to everyone.
The service culminated in offering prayers to the congregation, his friends, and relatives by Fr. Anthony Chukwuebuka Onuoha for God’s blessings and protection.
In his special prayer to his mother where, he handed in the “Maniturgium” in recognition of the roles mothers play in the life of their son, who becomes a priest, a sacred gift that is preserved until the mother dies
“To the glory of God and before this blessed Altar and everyone, I hand this Maniturgium to my mother in recognition of her prayers, tears, and contribution towards my successful priestly journey. It is a tradition for priests on a successful ordination and arrival to celebrate their First Mass to hand over the sacred and blessed Maniturgium, which is meant to be preserved until when God calls her home to eternal bliss and asks her what she did for Him. Then, she will bring out to Maniturgium and present to God in reminding God that when she was in the world, she served Him and also donated his son to serve Him as a priest”, Onuoha, said.
On Sunday, 15th of September, 2024, during the “Mass of Thanksgiving” at St. Michael’s Parish, Amakohia in Owerri Archdiocese Rev. Fr. Anthony Chukwuebuka Onuoha used the opportunity to thank the Parishioners as a member of the Parish for their support and care all through his years in the seminary and his ordination as a priest.
The Parish Priest of St. Michael’s, Very Rev. Fr. Reginald Egbu, the Vicar-General of Owerri Archdiocese (Father Ayama), relates to the church how happy he was and how God always gives him double blessings. This prompts the rendering of the song “Everything Na Double, Double” by the choir to the glory of God.
” I am very excited today. God has been so faithful to me and any Parish I’m posted. His blessings come in double folds. During my stay at St. Joseph Parish Uzoagba, I produced two priests; at St. Kevin Parish, Ogbaku, I produced two priests, and today, we are very fortunate that God has blessed us with two priests- Rev. Fr. Anthony Chukwuebuka Onuoha and Joshua Ogu. Therefore, I want to especially thank everyone for your presence and support: the women’s President, the Men’s President, the ordination Committee, the choir, the assistant priest visiting fathers who worshiped with us today, and the seminarians, among others. God bless you all”.
The celebrant appreciates the following persons, Most Rev. Fr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi (CMF), the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Very Rev. Reginald Egbu, the Vicar-General of Owerri Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr Reginald Egbu – Parish Priest, St Michael’s Catholic Parish Amakohia Owerri and Vicar General of Owerri Archdiocese, Prof. Laz Uzoecchi, Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Ekeh, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Nnanabu, Rev. Fr. Maxwell Nwoha, Rev. Fr. Stanley Nwachukwu and Bro. John Ogu, Chairman, Ordinanation Committee.
Others include members of his immediate and extended families, his mother, sisters, uncles, in-laws, and aunties. St. Michael’s Parish Amakohia choir, St. Anthony’s Parish Mbama choir.
