Auchi Diocese Holds Eucharistic Congress At Pastoral Centre

As part of the activities to mark the year of faith as directed by the Vatican, the Catholic diocese of Auchi has held their 2012 two days Eucharistic congress at the Diocesan pastoral centre, Sabo Iyakpi.

In his homily titled “the Eucharist makes a whole not a part”, the bishop of the diocese most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G. Dunia who noted that Catholics are the luckiest for having the Eucharist, stressed that the event was an opportunity for faithful to hear, understand, receive and treasure the gift God has given to them through His son Jesus Christ, adding that Catholics should be happy that they are part of the reception of the body and blood of Christ.

Continuing, the shepherd of souls reiterated that the Eucharist is the greatest gift God has given them, stressing that the praises given to God is not to pay back what God has done in their lives, but to appreciate His love in their lives, pointing out that anyone who receives the body and blood of Christ will have eternal life, as no evil would come near them if they accept and receive God in sincerity and when they are whole but not in part, the Holy Spirit shining in them will repeal evil.

Further, the prelate affirmed that also the gathering was to also encourage faithful to continue to devote their time, energy in the service of the Lord and should not allow anyone to deceive them from worshiping God, as materialism cannot make them whole, charging them to offer themselves in totality to God unconditionally, adding that Jesus offering for them was unconditional, therefore, they should endeavour to give to others without expecting payback.

More, the chief shepherd of the Diocese enjoined all present to continue to immitate Jesus who is their Lord and personal savior, while urging them to always reach out to others who are in need around them, as that will make them whole, pointing out that they should shun the spirit of unforgiveness and hatred as it will make them remain a slave to the devil and prayed the holy Eucharist will help them be like Christ.

Explaining the information contained in the year of faith logo unveiled by most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel G Dunia, assisted by the Vicar General of the Diocese Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Bossey, Rev. Fr. Gregory Onimhawo who noted that information contained in the logo was aimed at renewing their faith in Christ, added that it was to encourage faithful grow in faith and promote their relationship with Christ which would enable them produce fruits that will last forever, adding that all the elements in the logo pointed to the holy Eucharist which is the centre of their worship.

In his remarks, the vicar general of the Diocese Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Bossey who praised the Bishop for organizing the Eucharistic congress in the diocese, stressed on the preparation of the 10th anniversary coming up February 2013, while urging all faithful in the diocese and beyond to contribute generously to ensure the success of the programme.

Giving the vote of thanks, Rev. Fr. Valentine Anaweokhai who thanked the Bishop for providing an opportunity for faithful in the diocese together to celebrate Christ in the holy Eucharist, also appreciated priests, religious and all present for attending the celebration and prayed God to bless them.

Also, Fr. Anaweokhai commended the Eucharistic congress committee for making the event a fruitful one, while thanking them for proper organization of the event.

The event also featured penitential service, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, rosary procession round major streets in Sabo Iyakpi, presentation of talks among others.