Pope Honours Enugu Philanthropist for Building Catholic Church Single-Handedly
In a rare recognition of faith and generosity, Pope Leo XIV has conferred a special Apostolic Blessing on an Enugu-based philanthropist, Mr Steve Mary Amaechi Davidson Kanife, for single-handedly funding and building a Catholic church for his community.
The papal blessing was formally presented by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, during the solemn dedication of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ugwetiti, Amansiodo-Oghe, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
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 growing 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, praying that Mr Kanife would receive divine rewards for his sacrifice and commitment to the Church.
Speaking after the ceremony, 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.
The event drew priests, community leaders, members of various Catholic organisations and faithful from across the Enugu and Onitsha dioceses, who lauded the Kanife family for their exceptional generosity, devotion and enduring contribution to the growth of the Church.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
