SIXTY YEARS OF CONSECRATED LIFE: BARR. SLY EZEOKENWA CELEBRATES A LEGACY OF FAITH, SACRIFICE AND SERVICE

 

By : NDUKA ANYANWU

APGA Candidate, Ahiazu and Ezinihite Mbaise Federal Constituency / SA Media to the APGA National Chairman

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, has described sixty years of consecrated life as a profound testimony of unwavering faith, sacrifice, discipline and total devotion to the service of God and humanity.

Barr. Ezeokenwa made the remarks during the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Consecrated Life of two remarkable blood siblings, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Johnson Ojiako and Rev. Sr. Mary Francis Regis Ojiako, at St. Andrew's Pro-Cathedral, Adazi-Nnukwu.

The solemn celebration, filled with gratitude and deep spiritual reflection, featured a concelebrated Holy Mass presided over by His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, alongside His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka Diocese.

Speaking on the remarkable lives of the celebrants, the APGA National Chairman noted that their sixty years of service represent an extraordinary response to God's call and a powerful example for present and future generations.

According to him, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Johnson Ojiako has distinguished himself through pastoral ministry, academic excellence and missionary service, while Rev. Sr. Mary Francis Regis Ojiako has devoted her life to religious service, education and the formation of young people.

Barr. Ezeokenwa observed that the lives of the two celebrants demonstrate that true greatness is found not merely in positions or material possessions, but in the positive impact one makes in the lives of others.

He particularly reflected on the sacrifices made by priests and religious men and women who devote the most productive years of their lives to the service of God and humanity, often without seeking recognition, material reward or personal comfort.

The APGA National Chairman stressed the need for society to continually appreciate and support elderly and retired priests and religious, noting that those who have spent their lives serving humanity deserve to age with dignity, care and comfort.

He described the welfare and advancement of elderly and retired priests as a responsibility that should be embraced by all people of goodwill.

Barr. Ezeokenwa further stated that the Diamond Jubilee celebration offers a moment of deep reflection, especially at a time when society is increasingly driven by personal ambition and material pursuits.

He noted that the sixty-year journey of the celebrants reminds humanity that the true measure of a meaningful life is not simply what one acquires, but what one gives; not the positions one occupies, but the lives one touches; and not the applause one receives, but the legacy of service one leaves behind.

Their lives, he said, remain a powerful testimony that faithfulness is possible, sacrifice is meaningful and service to humanity remains one of life's highest callings.

Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa warmly congratulated Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Johnson Ojiako and Rev. Sr. Mary Francis Regis Ojiako on their remarkable Diamond Jubilee of Consecrated Life.

He prayed that Almighty God would continue to strengthen, preserve and bless them with good health, peace, joy and renewed grace.

“May the years ahead bring you the consolation and fulfilment of knowing that your lives have been a blessing to countless individuals and a tremendous gift to the Church and humanity,” he said.

As the Church and the faithful celebrate these two extraordinary servants of God, their inspiring journey stands as a shining legacy of faith, sacrifice, humility and selfless service.

Sixty years may be a milestone, but the impact of a life devoted to God and humanity is a legacy that will continue to speak across generations.

Congratulations to Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Johnson Ojiako and Rev. Sr. Mary Francis Regis Ojiako on sixty glorious years of consecrated service.

May God continue to bless you both abundantly.

Hon. NDUKA ANYANWU

APGA Candidate, Ahiazu and Ezinihite Mbaise Federal Constituency

SA Media to the APGA National Chairman.