Most Rev. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha celebrated the solemn opening of the 2025 Jubilee Year on Sunday, December 29, 2024 with Mass at Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.
The celebration which commenced with opening rite at the entrance of the Cathedral also witnessed the reading of Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee, titled ‘Spes Non Confundit’ meaning ‘Hope Does Not Disappoint’. The Bull emphasised the theme of hope for the Jubilee as proclaimed in St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
The launch of Jubilee Year in the Episcopal See of Onitsha progressed with a procession of the altar servers, clergy, religious and lay faithful into the Church for the Mass. The procession symbolised a collective journey toward renewal and hope.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke noted that the Jubilee Year offers an opportunity for God to forgive our sins and renew our hearts, enabling everyone to continue their journey with hope and joy. The Archbishop invited all in the Archdiocese to become ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ as indicated by the Jubilee theme. The prelate thereafter hosted people from various walks of life to Christmas Lunch at his residence. The lunch is a testament to Archbishop Okeke’s commitment of building bridges and promoting harmony among the Ndi Anambra.
Most Rev. Valerie Okeke, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Onitsha presiding over the Solemn Opening of the Jubilee Year 2025 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha on Sunday, December 29, 2024.Archbishop Okeke and a cross section of the clergy and Altar Servers during the Solemn Opening of the Jubilee Year.Cross section of the lay faithful during the Archdiocese’ solemn opening of the 2025 Jubilee Year outside the Cathedral.Lady Neta Nwosu LSM, Editor, The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper, Archdiocese of Lagos (middle) and other lay faithful during the Opening rite outside the Cathedral.
Sen. Victor Umeh, OFR, former APGA Chairman and his wife (1st & 2nd right, front row), Barr. Sylvester Ezeokenwa, Chairman, APGA and his wife (1st & 2nd left), Sen. Tony Nwoye (3rd right), Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, Chairman, Onitsha North Local Government Area ( 3rd left) and other top politicians in Anambra State during the Mass.
Archbishop Okeke in a group photo with the clergy and lay faithful after the Archdiocese of Onitsha Solemn opening Mass of the 2025 Jubilee Year.
Sir Paul and Lady Neta Nwosu chatting with Archbishop Valerie Okeke after the Christmas Lunch with the Archbishop.
L-R: Lady Neta Nwosu LSM, Archbishop Valerie Okeke and Sir Paul Nwosu, Anambra State immediate past Commissioner for Information.
L-R: Lady Neta Nwosu LSM, Very Rev. Fr. George Adimike, Director of Social Communications, Archdiocese of Onitsha and Sir Paul Nwosu, KSM at the Christmas Lunch with the Archbishop.
