By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye,
Most Rev. John OkeOghene Afareha of the Catholic Diocese of Warri on Saturday, February 15, 2020 tasked wealthy and privileged Nigerian to help the needy and as well support the work of God on earth as their riches comes from God.
Addressing Catholic faithful, friends, well wishers as well as sons and daughters of Oghara-Agbarha Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State during the official handing over and dedication of a massive edifice of worship and priest residence built and donated to the Church by Dr. Richard Iyasere, the Bishop reiterated the need and importance in giving and supporting humanity when God has blessed you.
Commending the generosity and gestures of the donor, Dr. & Mrs. Richard Iyasere, Bishop John Afareha described the donor as a true believer of God. He noted that not everyone blessed by God will see the need to give back to the society from all God has given to them.
He appealed to other privileged men and women of God to emulate the kind gesture of the donor and support humanity. “Stop pretending like you do not see the pains of the people; he charges”.
Lamenting the poverty level in the Nigerian society, the Bishop affirmed that the Nigeria citizens are suffering as the country is deeply impoverished by the elites and as a result, many are out of fear of being poor become selfish, greedy and wicked thereby leading to poverty of the mind.
He further described the contribution of the donor as a spiritual gift because what he has given is a dwelling place for people to worship to God in truth and in spirit. He thanked and prayed for the family asking God to keep them from trouble and pains.
Congratulating the parishioners, the bishop stated that their long time dream of having and owning a befitting edifice of worship has finally be fulfilled through the generosity of Olorogun Dr. Richard and Hon. Barr. Mrs. Mary Iyasere whom God has used to blessed the Catholic community in Oghara-Agbarha.
Stressing on the sacredness and sanctity of the edifice, Most Rev. John Afareha noted with the dedication of the church auditorium, it is now glare to all present that the building can not be used outside anything contrary to the will of God. He disclosed that it is only the church authority that has the canonical right to change any item concerning the church as it is now a place of worship and were God reside.
He further reminded Christ faithful not to be carried away with the beauty of the edifice, but always remember that it is a place of prayer and worship, adding that it is also a place where heaven and humanity commune, and as such, the house of God must be made sacred as it is not just a hall.
On his part, the donor Olorogun Dr. Richard Iyasere revealed that the dedication of the church building is a thing of joy in his family. He thanked the bishop for giving him the opportunity to give little of what God has given to him in this form and for coming in person for dedication ceremony.
Expressing his gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who was represented by Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Olorogun Dr. Richard Iyasere noted that the governor has done well and he is still doing very well I the area of infrastructural development in the state. He thanked him for gracing and honouring his invitation and prayed God to bless him.
Dr. Richard who was so excited disclosed that the major reason for single handedly building the church is to fulfil the mission of Christ of the new evangelization and also to foster the growth of the movement of the evangelization in Oghara-Agbarha-Otor community.
While calling on the state governor to provide the needed social amenities in the area, the donor noted that good network of roads, pipeborne water, electricity and others will spur the growth and development of the area. He appealed to the governor to support the people of Oghara and the Catholic Church in the area as he disclosed that his aim of erecting the edifice of worship is to draw people closer Christ in the area.
High point of the ceremony was the official rote of dedication and blessing of the church auditorium with holy water and oil of chrism by the bishop.