The Vatican granted an apostolic blessing to Enugu philanthropist SteveMary Kanife for building St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ezeagu

The Vatican has bestowed a special apostolic blessing on an Enugu-based philanthropist, Mr. SteveMary Kanife, in recognition of his generosity in building a Catholic church for his community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

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The papal blessing, conveyed from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, was presented to Kanife and his family by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, during the dedication of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ugwetiti, Amansiodo-Oghe, on Sunday.

The dedication Mass also featured the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 74 parishioners.

In his homily, Bishop Onaga described the dedication of a church as “a profound way to begin the New Year,” stressing that a church is a sacred place meant solely for prayer and worship.

“Once a church is dedicated, it ceases to be an ordinary building and becomes the house of God. It must not be treated as a hall for merriment or social activities,” the bishop said.

He commended Kanife for completing the project within two years, noting that not everyone is privileged to build a house for God.

The bishop also urged members of the Ugwetiti community to keep the church holy and charged the newly confirmed faithful to remain steadfast in their faith.

Highlights of the ceremony included the distribution of empowerment items to beneficiaries by Kanife and the presentation of a Lexus 330 Jeep to the parish priest, Rev. Fr. John Ugwa.

Kanife said the vision to build the church came to him in October 2021 during the dedication of his triplets and a thanksgiving ceremony in his village.

“I consulted my lawyer and godfather, P.U.P. Onuorah, who advised that we should pray and ask God to provide the resources. If He does, then we proceed,” Kanife said.

“We planned to stop at a certain stage and allow parishioners to complete it, but I felt a strong conviction to finish the church for my people,” he added.

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He urged wealthy Nigerians to deploy their resources in service to God and humanity, noting that his commitment to charity inspired the project.