By Abuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has beckoned on Ndi Anambra to visit the designated health centres and get themselves vaccinated, even as he doused the fear of possible side effect of vaccine as expressed in some quarters.
Bishop Ezeokafor who stated this at St. Andrew's Parish, Adazi Nnukwu, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State while delivering a homily to mark this year's Chrism Mass/Cathedraticum Celebration stressed the need for people to harken to the call for COVID-19 vaccination by the government, acknowledging that no vaccine was entirely free from side effects, adding that the vaccine would help in no small measure in checkmating the spread of the disease.
The Charismatic and influential Prelate stated that even though there were elements of insincerity on the side of the government, people should ignore that aspect and focus on that which, he said, would better their living and save them from contracting the disease.
Bishop Ezeokafor who said that COVID-19 was still very much around and deadly, admonished Ndi Anambra to keep to COVID-19 protocols by maintaining social distancing, washing their hands regularly and also wearing of Facemasks at all times.
The Local Ordinary stated that people should not allow the rumours making the rounds that the vaccine could be injurious to their health to discouraged and stopped them from getting vaccinated.
The outspoken Cleric while speaking on the essence of the Chrism Mass cum Cathedraticum Celebration charged Christians to always support their priests spiritually, physically and materially, saying that as followers of Christ, they should understand that priests were Christ's representatives on earth and deserved to be encouraged and protected.
Bishop Ezeokafor enjoined the priests to endeavour to practice what they preached, noting that their primary assignment was to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ, urging them to continue in their onerous task of winning souls for Christ
Bishop Ezeokafor who described the Holy Thursday observation as a spiritual reawakening moment for all and sundry, urged Christians to imbibe the spirit of prayerfulness and be steadfast in pursuit of heavenly goal .
He enjoined the priests to always see themselves as Christ's representatives here on earth and endeavour to carry out their assignments with utmost sense of humility and responsibility, noting that many families, individuals, group and society at large look up to them for direction.
Bishop Ezeokafor admonished Catholic faithful to be more intimate with the things of God and as well pay less attention to worldly things. This is even as he asked them to always pray for their priests.
He noted that they (Priests) also need prayers to survive the turbulent world.
The Catholic Prelate who supervised the renewal of ordination vow by priests in the Diocese, urged Christians to remained resolute in their faith in God.
He said after the renewal of ordination vows, priests must endeavour to live a life that would reflect Christ in all aspects as they relate with the people.