Chinwendu Uzoatu, Awka
Members of the Queen of the Rosary College (Q.R.C.) Onitsha Old Girls Association, Awka Chapter, recently celebrated their annual feast in commemoration of Our Lady of the Rosary.
The Thanksgiving Mass, held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, G.R.A., Awka, was well attended by members of the Awka Chapter, who turned out elegantly in their red and white uniforms.
Also in attendance were members of the Old Boys Associations of Christ the King College (C.K.C.), Onitsha, and the College of the Immaculate Conception (C.I.C.), Enugu, both from the Awka Chapter.
In his homily, the Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Awka, Very Rev. Fr. Francis Oranye, urged Christians to always give thanks to God, noting that thanksgiving brings blessings.
He said, “As we live our lives, may we never stop praising and giving thanks to God. Do good to others, because whatever you do will come back to you. God, who sees everything, will surely reward you.”
Fr. Oranye commended the Q.R.C. Old Girls for their thanksgiving gesture, saying, “We thank God for these our sisters who are giving back to Him. Let love reign among us always.”
He further urged the old students of Q.R.C., C.K.C., and C.I.C. to continue the legacy of reforming society, recalling that they were trained by devoted Irish and British missionaries who exemplified genuine love for God and humanity.
The President of Q.R.C. Old Girls, Awka Chapter, Lady (Dr.) Chika Vin-Nwankwo, gave glory to God for the enduring legacy of their alma mater. She explained that the event is held annually to mark the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, which falls on October 7.
She said, “We are groomed in the model of our mother, Mary. We always celebrate Our Lady, Queen of the Holy Rosary, with joy because our mother, Mary, is always cheerful.”
Dr. Vin-Nwankwo noted that the association continually gives back to their alma mater, saying, “We have a global body. We have built a state-of-the-art library, teachers’ accommodation for proper supervision, and a sick bay, among other projects. The Principal, Rev. Sr. Maria Chijioke, is an old student. We are also grateful to the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Valerian Okeke. Just yesterday, we dedicated a newly renovated school chapel.”
She further disclosed that the Q.R.C. Old Girls, globally, had resolved that no student would drop out of the school.
“Through our Education Trust Fund, we sponsor any such child. We are grooming the younger generation of Q.R.C. girls to become the best,” she stated.
According to her, the Awka Chapter also embarks on charitable activities as part of their annual celebration.
“This year, we are visiting an orphanage in Amawbia immediately after the Mass to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged,” she added.
She also appreciated members of the C.K.C. and C.I.C. Old Boys Associations for joining them in the celebration.
A member of the association, Mrs. Chinelo Okeke, said, “This thanksgiving is in honour of the Feast of the Queen of the Holy Rosary. After the Mass, we visit an orphanage as part of our outreach to the less privileged.”
The Secretary of the C.K.C. Old Boys, Barr. Ifeanyi Chuks, commended the Q.R.C. Old Girls for their unity and sense of purpose.
“We are happy with your coordination. Keep it up. Training the younger ones is necessary for continuity,” he said.
Similarly, the President of the C.I.C. Old Boys, Mr. Dara Chijioke Okechukwu, remarked, “We commend the Q.R.C. Old Girls. We are here to encourage them because life is about giving back. There is joy in giving back.”
Other speakers, including Sir C. S. Chiekezie (C.K.C.) and Sir Chima Nwamadu (C.I.C.), advised parents to enroll their children in mission schools for moral discipline and quality education, stressing that mission schools remain the best.
In her vote of thanks, the Financial Secretary of the association, Dr. Ifeoma Elizabeth Iloghalu, appreciated the C.K.C. and C.I.C. Old Boys for their constant support. She assured them of the Old Girls’ continued solidarity and thanked everyone who graced the occasion.
Highlights of the event included musical performances by children and other entertaining activities.
