The ETF auditorium of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, was filled to capacity as Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Kate Omenugha, along with principal officers, staff, management, students, priests, religious leaders, and the entire Catholic community of the institution joyfully welcomed Francis Cardinal Arinze.
The Cardinal’s official visit featured a holy mass, a reception, a lecture, and an interactive session. In his homily during the mass, Cardinal Arinze emphasized the characteristics of the Holy Spirit and His role in guiding and uniting Christians in the faith of Christ Jesus. He described Jesus Christ as the one and only Savior and highlighted the Holy Spirit’s guidance and hope for the reunion of all Christians through life’s challenges.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Omenugha expressed great delight at the Cardinal’s visit, acknowledging the presence of Most Reverend Dennis Isizoh of Aguleri Catholic Diocese and the outstanding turnout for the event. She described Cardinal Arinze as not just a Catholic figure but a world-renowned role model. She mentioned that the university has begun rebranding and setting up an interdenominational committee to foster ecumenical relationships.
The mass included Bible readings, the administration of the holy sacrament, offertory, choir renditions, and special prayers for the university, Anambra State, and Nigeria. The reception of the Cardinal followed immediately after the mass.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the university community, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics Professor Osita Chiaghanam appreciated the Cardinal’s official visit and his symbolic tree planting, describing the trees as symbols of hope. He assured the Cardinal that they would protect and nurture these trees to maturity.
The event concluded with appreciation and obeisance to Cardinal Arinze by the university community, an Igbo poetic chant, and a question-and-answer session.
