Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - Umuahia Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Organisation (UDCCWO) is supporting the construction of a chapel for the prisons of Umahia in Nigeria.
According to a report sent to Agenzia Fides by sources from the Diocese, the blessing of the foundation and the foundation stone laying ceremony began with the Holy Mass presided over by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Umuahia, Very Rev. Fr. Dominic Ibe who represented the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.
In his homily, the Chaplain of the UDCCWO, Fr. Benedict Okike, began by stating the importance of a prayerful atmosphere which he said begins from the quietness of the heart of man. He stressed the fact that it is also very important to erect a place where all can go and worship God in truth and spirit.
He also thanked the UDCCWO for sponsoring the project and for donating materials (clothing, food, and drink) and prayed that God continue to guide and direct them in their life’s endeavours.
In a bid to encourage the inmates, the cleric said that all humans are created in the image of God whether out or in the prison. He told the prisoners that, their stay in the prison which is short-lived should not make them see themselves as lesser humans or that God has forgotten them, rather their stay is just to correct and make them better persons. The chaplain also invited those awaiting trial to use the chapel which is being erected for daily prayers and conversion to God.
Towards the end of the Holy Mass, the Assistant Parish Priest of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Isiama-Afara, Rev. Fr, Clifford Ogbenna thanked the Vicar General on behalf of his Parish Priest Msgr. John Anyanwu for coming to lay the foundation stone of the prison chapel which is under the jurisdiction of St. Anthony’s Parish.
At the end of the Mass, the Vicar thanked the members of the UDCCWO for their charitable works towards the prisoners and prayed for the prisoners, the prison guards, and all who care for them. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 18/05/2009)
