Lifestyle & Wellness DeskPope Leo XIV Honours Philanthropist for Constructing New Church
The Vatican has granted a special apostolic blessing to Enugu-based philanthropist, Mr. SteveMary Kanife, in recognition of his generosity in constructing a Catholic church for the Ezeagu community in Enugu State.
The blessing 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 included the Sacrament of Confirmation for 74 parishioners.
In his homily, Bishop Onaga described the dedication of a church as “a profound way to begin the New Year,” emphasizing that a church is a sacred place meant for prayer and worship alone. “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,” he said.
He praised Kanife for completing the project within two years, noting that not everyone is privileged to build a house for God. The bishop also encouraged the Ugwetiti community to maintain the church’s sanctity and urged the newly confirmed parishioners to remain steadfast in their faith.
Highlights of the ceremony included Kanife distributing empowerment items to beneficiaries and presenting a new Lexus 330 Jeep to the parish priest, Rev. Fr. John Ugwa.
Kanife explained that 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,” he said.
He added, “We initially planned to stop at a certain stage and let parishioners complete it, but I felt a strong conviction to finish the church for my people.”
Kanife encouraged wealthy Nigerians to dedicate their resources to serving God and humanity, noting that his commitment to charity inspired the project.
