The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has ordered all parishes within the diocese to provide food for their poor parishioners, as well as other indigent people around them.
He said it was about time the church initiated measures that would ameliorate the plight of their struggling parishioners, especially at this trying time of Coronavirus pandemic, which has caused a lockdown in the economy.
Bishop Ezeokafor gave the directive while delivering a homily to mark this year’s Palm Sunday Mass held at Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He said that the Mother Church would continue to lead from the front and would not allow people’s faith in God to wane because of Coronavirus.
The mass which was streamed live on Facebook and other online channels had only few individuals in attendance.
The Catholic prelate announced that the Diocese would soon unveil its stimulus packages for the poor in society, noting that all charity organs of the church would be handy at this material time, especially Awka Diocesan Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC).
He said, “COVID-19 has humbled everyone and also shown that God remained the beginning and the end. I enjoin all to pray ceaselessly at this trying time, and we will triumph at the end.
“Coronavirus has proved that we are mere mortals and that there is nothing extraodinary about humans. COVID-19 has humbled everyone including those who hitherto who see no need to beckon on God for solution and help. What I take away from what is happening now is that God is still God and He is up there on His throne.”
“I urge you all to give to those in need. We should learn to give at all times. A lot of people are living from hand to mouth. Many cannot feed very well let alone now that they are asked to sit-at-home. I feel for those people. We must find a way to assist them,” Bishop Ezeokafor pleaded.
