…Marks 50th Birthday, 20th Priesthood Anniversary
By Onyinyechi Nwankwo
In a remarkable celebration that combined faith and community service, Rev. Fr. Maurice Emelu, Priest of Orlu Catholic Diocese and Founder, Gratia Vobis Ministries Inc, USA, fed over 5000 indigent persons to mark his 50th birthday and 20 years of priesthood.
The celebration which took place last week at the open field of Church of Immaculate Conception, Umuchima, in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, was a moment of showing hospitality to the poor, especially the most vulnerable in Igbo land.
Giving a homily, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, noted that the occasion was synonymous with the Holy Father’s call for this year to be Jubilee of Hope, a sacred time to renew faith, deepen love for God and serve those in dire need.
He commended Fr. Emelu’s initiative to provide food to over 5,000 people, describing it as an exemplary act of charity that should inspire more of such gestures across the country.
Onaiyekan, who advocated for urgent action against hunger and poverty in Nigeria, emphasized the stark contrast between Nigeria’s past and present, pointing out that while the nation struggled with poverty two decades ago, it now faces hunger and insecurity.
“Fifteen to twenty years ago, Nigeria was poor, but not hungry. Today, unfortunately, the less-privileged Nigerians are hungry. Our politicians speak of renewed hope, yet for many, that hope has turned to hopelessness amid the growing burden of poverty,” he lamented.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage directly with the realities of impoverished citizens by sharing meals with them, highlighting the distance between policymakers and the populace they are meant to serve.
In his words, the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, called for a society where collective wellbeing is prioritized.
Obi, who joined other dignitaries in serving food to the guests at the event, at the instance of the chief celebrant, stressed the need for community solidarity and care for the less-fortunate persons.
“We want more individuals like Fr. Maurice Emelu, who demonstrates genuine compassion for the needy,” Obi added.
Just as National Assembly Members: Senator Osita Izunaso and Hon. Uchena Okonkwo, lauded Fr. Emelu for his selfless and significant contributions to the society, encouraging other well to do individuals to emulate Emelu’s commitment to philanthropy.
Thanking those who graced the ceremony, Fr. Maurice Emelu, who is also an Associate Professor of Communication and Digital Media, reflected that the event was the conclusion of a four-day charity program, divinly inspired to affect humanity positively.
Fr. Emelu informed that the mission’s initiative, called “God’s VIPs”, is a sacred gathering dedicated to help 5000 vulnerable persons (1000 families, each with 5 members), saying each identified family received a month’s food supply, including a 50kg bag of long grain rice, 10kg of beans and cash for essential condiments.
“However, beyond providing nourishment, we aimed to offer heartfelt prayers, inspire joy and cultivate a deep appreciation for the poor as individuals of equal dignity”, Fr. Emelu maintained.
Fr. Emelu disclosed plans to establish a skill acquisition center in Umuchima community, aimed at empowering local youths and women.
Beneficiaries of the charity were treated with care as they were transported in air-conditioned buses, greeted with red carpet and personally served by Fr. Emelu and other dignitaries to emphasize the dignity of those in need.
In a touching moment, Fr. Emelu also granted a full scholarship to Miss Uchechi Akuzie, a significant gesture representing future empowerment and hope.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Tina Muoghalu, from Isiokpo in Ideato North LGA, expressed profound gratitude for the support, emphasizing that it renewed her hope for a brighter future.
