By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA — The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of the Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Valerian Maduka Okeke, has called on Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in them in order to live lives marked by compassion, charity, honesty, and selflessness.

The Archbishop gave the admonition during his homily at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, Odoakpu, where he undertook a one-day pastoral visit. The visit featured the administration of the sacrament of confirmation to 403 candidates and the commissioning of a newly completed Shanahan Nursery and Primary School building constructed by the parish.

In his sermon, Archbishop Okeke emphasized the importance of faith and trust in God, describing them as essential to overcoming sin and living a life pleasing to God.

“Those living in the flesh can never please God. Through baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit, who continues to dwell in us unless we fall into sin,” he said. “Sin is death, and we die daily when we commit it. But if you allow the Spirit of God to dwell in you, He will help you conquer sin and raise you even at death.”

He added that the presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life naturally reflects in good deeds and virtues such as compassion, charity, honesty, and selflessness.

In a welcome address, parishioners expressed deep appreciation for the Archbishop’s visit, praising his achievements within the Archdiocese, particularly the establishment of Shanahan University.

They also commended the parish priest, Simeon Nwabuife, describing him as dynamic and dedicated to the spiritual growth and welfare of the parish.

In his remarks, Fr. Nwabuife expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for honoring the parish with his presence, noting that the faithful had long anticipated the visit. He further urged parishioners to remain steadfast in their faith and continue supporting the church.

Also speaking, the President of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Mrs. Ngozi Ibisi, described the pastoral visit as spiritually uplifting, adding that the parish community was already witnessing positive impacts and blessings from the Archbishop’s presence.