Orlu: In a moving gesture that turned society’s norms on their head, the Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria hosted a grand banquet on July 10th, 2025, to honour the “poorest of the poor” affectionately referred to as God’s Special VIPs. Organized as part of the Jubilee of Hope celebrations, the event was spearheaded by Gratia Vobis Ministries Inc. (GVM), an international apostolate founded by Fr. Maurice Nkem Emelu, a native priest of Orlu and a professor of digital media and communication at John Carroll University, USA.
Often excluded from high-profile events and left on the margins, the poor in Orlu Diocese were instead welcomed with dignity and treated like royalty. The event, designed to affirm their human worth and divine dignity, brought together local and international members of the GVM community. Through shared meals, personal care, and messages of love, the banquet sought to remind each guest of their value as children of God.
The celebration began with a solemn Eucharistic liturgy presided over by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja. Concelebrating with him were Bishop Martin Uzoukwu of Minna Diocese and numerous local priests. In his homily, Cardinal Onaiyekan emphasized that the Eucharist reveals our shared identity as God’s children. He called on political leaders present to actively respond to the cries of the poor and alleviate their suffering. “God is not pleased with the continued pain of His people,” he declared. “Every effort must be made great or small to relieve that pain.”
Beyond the banquet, GVM extended its support in tangible ways. Over 1,000 families received food packages designed to sustain them for an entire month. Additionally, scholarships were awarded to underprivileged students, and financial aid was distributed to help cover urgent medical needs. In total, over 3,000 people were served during the event, their joy and gratitude shining through every smile and word of thanks.
The day before the main event, the GVM team held a special outreach for children at a remote school in Umuchima Village. Each child received age-appropriate books, donated by the Daughters of St. Paul in partnership with GVM. These educational materials some focused on environmental protection and safeguarding minors were aimed at encouraging literacy and fostering awareness through stories and illustrations.
In his concluding remarks, Fr. Maurice Emelu gave heartfelt thanks to all who made the initiative possible. He reminded attendees that being hopeful and sharing that hope is not a one-day affair, but a lifelong calling. “Let us go forth and be instruments of hope,” he urged. “Wherever we are, in whatever we do, let us uplift and affirm the dignity of those around us.”
Through this transformative event, the Diocese of Orlu made a bold statement: in the eyes of God, the least among us are truly the most treasured.