By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
As Rev. Fr. Gabriel Okafor prepares to celebrate his silver jubilee anniversary of priesthood, the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Ivite Aguleri reflects on its rich history and journey to parish status.
The seeds of the parish were sown in 1890 when early missionaries arrived in Aguleri. Over the years, the parish grew, and its faithful worked tirelessly to establish a place of worship. In 2005, St. Francis was officially elevated to parish status, thanks to the relentless efforts of Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ikechukwu Okafor.
Today, the parish stands as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. As the community comes together to celebrate Rev. Fr. Okafor's milestone anniversary, they also honor the pioneers who paved the way for the parish's growth and development.
The celebration of Rev. Fr. Okafor's silver jubilee anniversary will take place on December 29, 2024. The event promises to be a joyous occasion, bringing together the parishioners and the wider community to give thanks for the priest's 25 years of dedicated service.