Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity field Onitsha was filled to capacity as Catholic faithful gathered for the yearly Chrism Mass also known as Holy Thursday which was presided over by the Metropolitan and Archbishop of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke.

 

In his opening remarks, the Most Reverend Okeke said that Chrism Mass was the occasion where a Bishop consecrates the sacred Chrism oil used for confirmation, ordinations, baptism, churches and altars dedication, as well as oil of catechumen and oil for the sick.

 

It was also an occasion for priests to renew their priestly vows.

Delivering a homily titled, “Blessed are the Pure in Heart”, the Archbishop dwelt on the need for Christians to develop purity of heart which he pointed out was the basis of inner goodness in humans.

 

According to him, if people have pure heart, most of the ugly things happening in the society today will not be happening.

The Archbishop said that, the heart being the spiritual centre of all thoughts of human, generates good and bad thoughts from where many good and bad things are done by humans.

 

He pointed out that foolish and unreasonable thoughts like idol worshipping, kidnapping, drug abuse and other evil thoughts pervading the society are not in the nature of God and are not God’s plans for humanity.

Most Reverend Okeke spoke on various ways Christians can achieve pure heart and live with the peace of God

 

Speaking after the holy mass Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by Mr. Alex Obiogbolu, thanked the Archbishop for his message and for shepherding the folks saying that it is all that is needed in the State this period in order to attract light of God.

On viral video about the Ochanja road project Dr. Obiogbolu condemned in totality the act which he discribed as wicked saying that people should live life of appreciation and accepting others with good heart.

 

Highlight on the occasion were, blessing of the Chrism oil by the Archbishop, renewal of priestly vows and Cathedraticum where many parishes, organisations, societies and individuals presented gifts to the Archbishop.