By kingsley amaechi
Despite the crisis between the Laity & Priests of Mbaise extraction over Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, where they alleged illegal installation of Bishop Okpaleke, some awardees of the years 2014, Laity day held last weekend at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, in Owerri, had expressed their dissatisfaction on the matter stressing that the Laity Council of Owerri Arch diocese and other Arch dioceses in Imo state should come in synergy to resolve the un-ending crisis in Ahiara.
A Holy Mass celebrated by the Arch Bishop of Owerri Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna was earlier held to usher in the maiden edition of this year’s 2014 Laity Day celebration after its 41 years history.
In an address, the Chairman of Owerri Arch diocesan Catholic Laity of Nigeria, Engr. Prof. Okereke stated that the event was targeted to celebrate and appreciate worthy members of the arch diocese for their exemplary contribution towards the development and growth of the Church and the society at large, adding that it symbolizes a call for honour, sanctification, encouragement and appreciation.
Engr. Prof. Okereke highlighted the objective and structure of the Catholic Laity Council pointing out their present short comings have continued to hinder their pro-efficiencies as he unbehalf of the Owerri Arch diocesan Catholic Laity of Nigeria appealed to the awardees in their magnanimity to aid the Owerri Arch diocesan Catholic Laity of Nigeria to raise fund for a brand new bus for the work of the church and towards redeeming the Arch diocese contribution towards the VARITAS University hostel project that is worth N8 million.
Speaking to newsmen, the Former Head of Civil Service, Imo State, (2007-2010) Lady Agatha Ndugbu who was one of the recipients of the (UGO OHA NKE CHRISTI) expressed her profound joy for the award being conferred on her by the Owerri Arch diocesan Catholic Laity of Nigeria,
While reacting to the lingering crisis in Ahiara, Lady Agatha Ndugbu noted that as human beings, we are political in nature, but should work towards the glory of God and not for any selfish interest. “As for the case of Ahiara Diocese, Gods knows better and will in due course find a solution to it” she added.
She further called for perseverance in the church and in the activities within our society for both the glory of God and improvement of lives around as she advised Christians to distinguish themselves wherever they are found.
In a separate remark, another recipients of the (UGO OHA NKE CHRISTI) and Ex-INEC Chairman Prof. Maurice Iwu stated that Catholics must solve the problem of Ahiara Diocese laity council of Nigeria and ensure that they unite Catholics of other provinces, he also called for a minimal church politicking/politics.
