The entire faithful of Holy Ghost Parish, Okrika-Nweke Ekwerazu, Ahiazu Mbaise, reverberated with joy and utmost gladness as they welcomed the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi CMF, on his pastoral visit to their parish on Sunday, December 21, 2025
This historic visit started on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in which the prelate had interactive sessions with the parish priest and the parish council, who related to him the affairs of the parish. The bishop, in turn, advised and encouraged them to continue in their good work. The prelate had remedial and preparatory lectures with the candidates for confirmation, and equally blessed the new Chapel of Adoration sponsored by Barr. Erasmus Njoku, the Parish Council Chairman.
Sunday, December 21, 2025, the high point of the visit, started with a Holy Mass that was presided over by the Bishop and co-celebrated by other priests.
Delivering the homily, the prelate assured the faithful that God is with his people, and this was manifested in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He equally exhorted the faithful not to be afraid but to be stout-hearted, just like the angel told Joseph in the reading. He said that they should properly prepare for the coming of Christ. The Bishop went further to advise against the dangers of seeing Christmas as a moment of opulent and ostentatious living that is unbecoming of the faith, but charged them to place Christ at the center of all they do in the period of Christmas. He added that at Christmas, the Lord Jesus Christ comes to visit His people. Thus, in the period of Christmas, the prelate urged the faithful to be gifts to those who encounter them, just as Christ is a gift from God to mankind.
Advising the confirmands, the bishop made known to them the significance of the sacrament they are about to receive. He urged them to be strong defenders of the faith in all ramifications. He urged the parents to help their children to be strong in their faith.
The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Bruno Unamba, welcomed and thanked the bishop and all present for the occasion. The Welcome Address was presented by Mr. Paulinus Agulanna.
In the vote of thanks, the Bishop expressed joy and gratitude to the Parish Priest and the faithful for the grand reception they gave him and encouraged them to always be steadfast in their faith and be a source of strength to others. He equally charged them to be vigilant and security conscious owing to the insecurity in the country.
Following the Mass was a cultural dance display by the CWO members of the parish to welcome the bishop.
