ALL AFRICA REPORT: The Apostolate Administrator of the Benin Arch Diocese, Bishop Anthony Gbuji (Bishop emeritus) weekend paid his first Pastoral visit to St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Prayer Ministry/Parish at Ikhueniro village along the Benin Asaba Road of Edo State.
The bishop was met on arrival by enthusiastic members of St. Michael the Archangel Prayer Ministry and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Adolphus Umechuckwu.
Bishop Gbuji went straight to business of solemnization of marriages of 13 couples who were hitherto barred from receiving the Holy Communion.
After a hectic screening, the couples were later given the sacrament of Holy Matrimony by the visiting Bishop who was assisted by Rev. Umechuckwu and another priest from Enugu.
In his homily, Bishop Gbuji assured the wedded couples of the gift of the Holy spirit which could now enable them to proclaim the good news to others.
According to Bishop Gbuji, "no one can call Jesus Lord unless one is under the influence of the Holy Spirit."
Also, Gbuji administered the Sacrament of Confirmation on the newly wedded couples as well as other confirmation candidates numbering over 50.
He enjoined the confirmation candidates to imbibe the spirit of prayerfulness as was done by the apostles who were wise enough to pray without ceasing and they overcame the devil.
Bishop Gbuji lauded the founder of St. Michael the Archangel Prayer Ministry, Rev. Fr. Adolphus Umechuckwu and was particularly elated about the conducive and serene atmosphere in which the church is located.He warned them against seeking excessive knowledge that could lead to doom as epitomized by Adam and Eve who sought knowledge by eating the forbidden fruit.
He recommended it for serious prayer venue as well as meditation for meaningful spiritual upliftment.
The parish priest of the prayer ministry, Rev. Fr. Umechuckwu said he was particularly happy that a Bishop has visited the centre the second time, the first being last year by his Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Archbishop Richard Bunke (Emeritus).
Comments