The Awka Diocese of the Catholic Laity Council in an elaborate ceremony held over the weekend at the Pope John Pauln 11 Major Seminary Awka installed some illustrious indigenes of the state as their grand patron, mayor and patron respectively.

Those honoured include the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, as the pillar of the council, with the immediate past commissioner for works, Chief Callistus Ilozumba, a business man and philanthropist, Dr. Obinna Uzor and the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Professor Josephat Ogbuagu.

Others included in the honour are Chief Barth Nwibe, Professor Steve Ibenta, Mr. Eric Ifeanyi, Chief Nzemeka Olisa, Mrs. Nkechi Ezeani, and Dr. Romanus Ejikeme.

While celebtating mass at the occasion, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, reminded the laity that they were specially called to bear witness to the truths of the gospel by their engagement with circular affairs in the world.

He observed that the resilience of one’s faith is tested and proven within individual families, work places and other social associations and called on people to hold fast and never give up when the road becomes too bumpy as according to him, the road to salvation is always narrow.

“We must be people of faith, prayer and deep spiritually. One danger that I want you to watch is the imitation of the worldly way of thinking, whereby the strength of an association is measured by the number of external structures erected and projects executed.

“As good as these may be, the most credible thermometer for a formidable laity is how far committed the members are to the practice of their faith because it is useless constructing physical mansions for the Church, while we cannot defend the faith in our different communities when it is put to the test.

“To be a good and strong Catholic entails standing by one’s faith in season and out season. One should not behave like a Chameleon that changes colour according to its surrounding environment,” he said.

Ezeokafor further urged those installed to see it as an opportunity to distinguish themselves as pillars, vanguards and promoters of the Catholic faith in their respective places, saying that their acceptance of the honours was a sign of their commitment towards making the local Church stronger and more suited to meet its challenges.

Highlight of the occasion was the fund raising ceremony instituted by the laity council for a shopping mall estimated to cost N500 million.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.

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