By James Atusue, Malachy Uzendu and Abobi Peter
At the Feast and Cultural day of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Wuse, Zone 2, Abuja, Ezeagada Okija, Igwe Obi Uchendu, stole the show during the Grand Finale of the Parish 2025 Feast/Cultural Day Celebration.
Igwe Uchendu, decked in his full Igbo chieftaincy traditional regalia, with his traditional wives (lolos), traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) and Palace Chiefs (Ndi Ichie), arrived at the Holy Rosary Arena in pomp to the admiration of the parishioners and guests.
The Chief who gave God all the glory for giving him life and good health, commended the entire parishioners of Holy Rosary and the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Kale Francis, for continuing with the tradition of showcasing the various rich cultural ensemble across Nigeria during the occasion.
Rev. Franklin Obinna Nwachukwu, the homilist, admonished the faithful not to let people’s ingratitude for their goodwill, change their extending positive gestures toward humanity.
He emphasized that just as one of the leprosy patients healed by Jesus, as stated in the Gospel reading of the day, returned in gratitude to Jesus, “expressing appreciation for the gestures we receive from God is indirect application for more gestures from him.
The Deacon noted that while several people equate God’s blessings with wealth, marriage, or success, the true gift of God is salvation and the life He gave to us.
“God’s greatest blessing is not money or a good job, but the salvation of our souls,” he added, urging Catholics to live a life of prayer, forgiveness, and thanksgiving.
Chairman of the Blessed Cyprian Iwene Tansi (Parishioners from Anambra, Enugu and parts of Enugu); St. Raphael’s Catholic Community (Abia, Imo and part of Ebonyi state); St. Patrick (Edo and Delta states); St. Gabriel (Arewa states) and St. Peter (Yoruba states), explained the rationale for the cultural exhibition in the church, stressing that it helps blend the rich cultural diversities and maintain peace and progress among various tribal peoples in the country.
Rev. Fr. maximillian Upon, an Associate Priest at Holy Rosary, who represented Fr. Kale at the ceremony, expressed deep happiness over the cultural renditions at the occasion.
He explained that “rendering our cultural values during worship is the best way to worship God who is the creator of every people and culture”.
He commended the Planning Committee and the guests for industry and show of love for the people.
Several cultural troupes from various parts of the country performed at the occasion.