Senator Umeh Hails Landmark of Faith, Unity as Cardinals, 70 Bishops Grace Nnewi Cathedral Dedication
Nnewi, Anambra State — Senator Victor Umeh, OFR, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District on Wednesday joined the Catholic faithful in celebrating the completion and dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Ukwuana, Nnewi, describing the edifice as a landmark of faith, sacrifice and communal unity.
The solemn dedication ceremony was presided over by His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, and attracted an unprecedented gathering of over 70 Bishops and Archbishops from across Nigeria. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke of the Ekwulobia Diocese and Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of the Abuja Diocese.
The event also recorded strong representation from the Vatican, with the presence of two Papal Nuncios: Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Papal Nuncio to the Czech Republic, and Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, underscoring the international significance of the cathedral’s dedication.
Senator Umeh commended the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, and his predecessor, Most Rev. Hilary Odili Okeke, for what he described as visionary and committed leadership that culminated in the successful completion and dedication of the cathedral.
The Senator, who is a Papal Knight of St. Sylvester and a Worthy Knight of St. John International, congratulated the clergy and faithful of the Nnewi Diocese for what he termed a historic achievement. He also praised individuals and groups who contributed materially and morally to the project, praying for God’s abundant blessings upon them.
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Umeh paid special tribute to the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah for his contributions to the cathedral project, noting that his support would remain etched in the history of the diocese.
He described the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral as not only a place of worship but also a symbol of enduring faith, collective sacrifice and hope for future generations of Catholics in Nnewi and beyond.
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