Bishop Nwobi Confirms 90 Candidates at St. Patrick’s Ibeku, Urges Honesty and Strong Foundations

Bishop Nwobi Confirms Candidates at St. Patrick’s Ibeku, Urges Honesty & Strong Foundations

By Vivian Iwu 

***




​ABOH MBAISE, IMO STATE — It was a weekend of profound spiritual renewal and joy at St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Ibeku, as the community rolled out the red carpet to welcome the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Most Rev. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, for a historic pastoral visit and the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to about 90 young candidates.

​The momentum of the visit began building the previous night when the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Anyanwu, welcomed the Bishop who personally arrived early to inspect and oversee the final preparations for the grand event. Fr. Anyanwu described the visit as a profound gesture of love, invoking prayers for the Bishop’s good health and longevity.

​

A Journey of Faith & Growth

​The official parish address, presented by the Parish Council led by Sir Anselm Abara, traced the inspiring history of the faith community. The report recalled how Ibeku Catholic Parish was carved out from St. Michael’s Parish, Okwuato, first becoming St. Anthony and St. Patrick’s Parish in 1997, before finally standing alone as St. Patrick’s Parish in 2023 when St. Anthony’s carved out to become an independent parish.

​The address highlighted the vibrant heartbeat of the parish, noting its growing community of Knights and Ladies, alongside an impressive spiritual heritage that has produced 5 indigenous priests and 5 indigenous sisters.

​However, a moment of lighthearted administrative reality arose regarding the parish's official population records. Addressing the figures assigned to the parish following the departure of St. Anthony, Bishop Nwobi responded with a candid fatherly caution. He noted that while communities often lobby for parish status by quoting high population numbers, some tend to downplay those same figures later to reduce financial obligations. Emphasizing that honesty must guide all church matters, the Bishop encouraged the parishioners, acknowledging their hard work while calling for absolute transparency.

​

The Word, the Candles, and the Sacred Anointing

​Drawing from the day’s Mass readings—which highlighted the Prophet Elijah’s patience in waiting on God and the Gospel account of Jesus calming the storm—Bishop Nwobi encouraged the newly confirmed candidates to always wait patiently on God, stand strong in prayer, and be exemplary ambassadors of the Catholic faith.

​Following the homily, a deeply moving ritual unfolded: the confirmation candidates lit their candles, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the congregation to solemnly renew their Christian vows. As the choir filled the air with soul-stirring hymns invoking the Holy Spirit, the candidates filed round the altar with their glowing candles. Bishop Nwobi anointed them with the sacred crimson oil, sealing them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to thunderous spiritual jubilation.


Directives for the Future

​

In his closing remarks, Bishop Nwobi commended the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Anyanwu, the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Magnus Ebere (Edeywork), the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Everestus Mbata, those accompanying him, and the entire congregation for a successful celebration.

​Emphasizing the importance of early spiritual formation, the Bishop gave a direct instruction: the newly confirmed candidates must continue classes for one more month specifically dedicated to mastering the prayers of the Holy Rosary and deepening their foundational Catholic teachings.

​The liturgy proceeded smoothly through the Prayer of the Faithful, the solemn Offertory procession, and the distribution of the Holy Communion, sealing a memorable milestone in the history of St. Patrick’s Parish, Ibeku.

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