A MEMORABLE EPIPHANY
A very big and excited crowd assembled in Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government of Plateau State on Epiphany Sunday 2019 to witness the birth of a new pastoral area, St. Thomas Pastoral Area, Nkun-Ganawuri, carved out of St. Lawrence Parish, Riyom, Jos Archdiocese.
I administered to 370 candidates the Sacrament of Confirmation, witnessed 73 marriages and gave first Holy Communion to scores of parishioners. Even though the event was held in an open space, the crowd was so big that every available space was taken up, including the top of the father’s house – the building being in progress, the roof of the uncompleted catechist’s house, and even the nearby tree tops. One of the trees experiencing the weight of its many occupants brought down the young people perching upon it. It was a funny sight seeing the youths who were not injured crawling out of the branches of the fallen tree!
Among the personalities present at the inauguration of the new pastoral area were the Governor of Plateau State, the former Minister of Sports, Hon. D. T. Sango, Prof. Mailafiya, representing Gen. J.T Useni (Rtd), the chairman and secretary of Riyom Local Government, the first class traditional ruler of Ganawuri and a host of other chiefs and dignitaries. The Rt. Rev. Ben Obidiegwu and other priests and catechists were of great assistance to me in managing the multi-purpose liturgical assembly.
Many thanks to the parish priest, Fr. George Barde and his dynamic pastoral team for putting together the remarkable and happy event.
To God be the glory.
