By Adejumoke Aminat Alebiosu

The Catholic Bishop of Awka, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, last Sunday, July 17, laid the Foundation Stone for Divine Mercy Catholic Chaplaincy, DMCC, Inside Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka.

Speaking at the event, the Catholic Shepherd, who also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on 66 Candidates at the event, expressed his joy concerning the church building. He explained that he was glad that the church building has moved tremendously since 2018 when the building started.

He further charged the members of the congregation to continue to support the church, stating that they are the body of Christ. He also explained the need for prayers, advising everyone to always find time to pray.

Rev. Fr Justin Ezechukwu, Chaplain, DMCC, explained his happiness to be a part of the church growth, ‘We started the foundation of the building on the 8th of March, 2018 and a lot has happened within the space of 4 years. We are already inside the church.

This event is just a thanksgiving to God, also to show people what we have done with the support they have given us and ask for more to complete this building and come back for dedication’, He said.

He also appreciated the Bishop of his support, saying the Catholic Bishop is the ‘Big Daddy’ to the church. He said the Bishop has taken the Chaplaincy as his pet project.

Talking at the event, Hon. Dr Sir Joe Akabuike, KSM, Chief Medical Director, COOUTH, appreciated the Bishop for gracing the occasion and expressed how happy he was that the foundation laying ceremony was taking place in his regime.

Delivering the welcome address, Secretary, Planning Committee, Chukwuebuka Ezeokoli, appreciated the Bishop for his continuous support for the fast growing Chaplaincy.

High points of the events were donations and presentations by different groups in the church.