By Mbidoaka Livinus
In a profound expression of faith, remembrance and Christian legacy, the Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Ukwuoma, has dedicated an ultra-modern Maria Grotto built by the family of Chief Sir Emma Mbidoaka, Omegbeoji of Okwudor, and Dr. Lolo Kate Mbidoaka, Ugosimba, in honour of their late parents, Chief B. U. Mbidoaka, Papanta, and Nneoma Caroline Mbidoaka, Mamanta, the patriarch and matriarch of the Mbidoaka dynasty.
The dedication ceremony, marked by prayers and deep spiritual reflection, drew clergy, parishioners and members of the Okwudor Ancient Kingdom. The Maria Grotto stands as both a place of prayer and a symbol of enduring faith, offering the faithful a sacred space for Marian devotion and quiet communion with God.
While blessing the grotto, Bishop Ukwuoma commended the donors for what he described as a work that speaks beyond the grave. He noted that building a house of prayer in memory of one’s parents is a testimony of faith and gratitude, adding that every rosary and novena offered at the grotto would continue to attract blessings upon the family. He encouraged parishioners to make effective use of the grotto, assuring them of the constant intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Bishop also urged other families in Okwudor Ancient Kingdom to support the Church through similar faith-inspired initiatives, reminding the faithful that investments made for God yield lasting spiritual rewards. He further appealed for collective efforts towards improving the church environment to reflect the dignity of modern worship.
Earlier, the donors, Chief Sir Emma Mbidoaka and Dr. Lolo Kate Mbidoaka, ably represented by Engr. Hipo Mbidoaka and Lolo Adaure Asife, explained that the project was borne out of gratitude to God and love for their parents. They recalled that an earlier grotto had been built after their father’s death, and following the passing of their mother, the family resolved to erect a more befitting, ultra-modern grotto for parishioners. The project, they noted, was offered as a spiritual sacrifice in thanksgiving for the exemplary Christian lives and good works of their late parents.
In his remarks, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Obialisi, thanked the Bishop for dedicating time to bless the grotto and appreciated the donors for immortalizing their parents in a way that would continue to nurture faith within the parish. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the family and for the eternal repose of the souls of Chief B. U. Mbidoaka and his wife.
The Maria Grotto was built by Chief Sir Emma Mbidoaka, Omegbeoji of Okwudor, and Dr. Lolo Kate Mbidoaka, Ugosimba, together with their children, Dr. Destiny Mbidoaka, Mr. Divine Mbidoaka, Mr. Delight Mbidoaka, Mr. Dawn Mbidoaka and Mr. Dandy Mbidoaka, as a lasting testament of faith, unity and generational devotion to God.
Beyond its physical beauty, the grotto now stands as a silent sermon, reminding the faithful that while life is transient, faith expressed through good works endures and echoes eternally in the sight of God.
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