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By Madu Obi
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has distributed food items to 500 indigent Christians and Muslims across the state in the spirit of Easter celebrations.
The beneficiaries comprising elderly men and women, as well as children and non-Igbo resident in the state, received bags of rice, garri, tubers of yam clothing materials, among other items. They were also given some cash for transportation.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Ezeokafor said the gesture, which had become an annual event, was targeted at alleviating the prevailing economic hardship in the country and in the spirit of the season.
The Prelate said: "Today is Holy Saturday preceding Easter Sunday which reminds us of the resurrection of Jesus which is the hope of every believer.
"As we celebrate, we should also realize that there are those facing difficulties of life, which have been multiplied by the harsh econom"
"Even the rich among us are also affected. If the rich are crying, I wonder what the poor can do? We know we don't have enough for the crowd, but we want them to appreciate the little we give them."
"We pray God to touch the heart of our leaders and other spirited individuals to extend similar gesture to reduce the sufferings of the poor and downtrodden."
The Diocesan director, Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Levi Ukor, while appreciating the Bishop for his concerns for the less privileged, noted that it is only Awka Diocese that embarks on this kind of gesture.
Ukpor said: "The bishop mandated that every Easter eve, we should gather the less privileged from all walks of life and celebrate Easter with them. Some are Catholics, some are even Muslims."
"This event has been taking place since Bishop Ezeokafor became in charge of the diocese. Our prayer is that God will bless him and grant him long life."
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