Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Pope Leo XIV has conferred special Apostolic Blessings on an Enugu-based philanthropist, Mr Davidson Kanife, for single-handedly funding and building a Catholic church for his community, Ugwuetiti, Amansiodo-Oghe, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Most Reverend Callistus Onaga, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, delivered the papal blessings during the solemn dedication of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The church edifice was fully financed and completed within two years by Mr Kanife and his wife, Mrs Nneoma Kanife.
The dedication ceremony also featured the confirmation of 74 parishioners, marking a significant spiritual milestone for the parish. In his homily, Bishop Onaga commended the benefactor’s deep faith, perseverance, and obedience to God’s call, describing the building of a church as a rare divine privilege.
He noted that the successful completion of the project within a short period reflected, in his words, “clean hands and a pure heart.”
“Not everyone is permitted by God to build Him a house,” the Bishop said.
He prayed that Mr Kanife would receive divine rewards for his sacrifice and commitment to the Church. Speaking, Mr Kanife disclosed that the vision to build the church came in 2021 through prayer and spiritual guidance.
He explained that despite financial pressures, he felt a compelling conviction to prioritise the house of God over personal projects.
He urged individuals blessed with resources to deploy them in the service of God and humanity, describing such acts of charity as investments of eternal value.
