There was joy and happiness among the clergy, religious and lay faithful of Holy Family Catholic Church, Festac Town, Saturday, April 29, 2023, when their Church building was rededicated by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos. The event which saw parishioners throng in, adorning colouful uniform, was attended by priests, religious, dignitaries, as well as guests and well-wishers of the iconic Church, who came from far and near to grace the special occasion. Delivering the homily at Mass, Archbishop Martins praised God for all He has done in the Archdiocese, particularly, in Holy Family Parish, Festac, which was expanded to contain the increasing community, as he added that the parishioners have an iconic church building, one of the best of its kind. Archbishop Martins said the building was renovated by God’s design, as the people gather for its rededication and blessing for the use of worship of God, in spirit and in truth. The Archbishop noted that the rededication of the church is a witness to the fact that among any group of people, there are men and women who strive for holiness of life, to become saints, model of righteous people who offer services without seeking any personal gains. He called on the people, especially those who work for the Church and in the Church, to follow the admonition of Jesus and work in a selfless way, so that they can get eternal rewards and everlasting life. Archbishop Martins thanked all the priests who have worked in the parish, as well as lay faithful for the sacrifices and generosity that has led to what they have today.
Urging the people to use the Church only for the purpose of worship of God, the Archbishop advised them to treat the church building and compound with utmost respect and dignity that is accorded to the things of God. He urged the people to respect, care, love and look out for one another, adding that no one should ever be disrespectful because all humans were made in the image and likeness of God. For his part, Very Rev. Fr. Melvis Mayaki, the Parish Priest, expressing gratitude, said God visited His people with mercy and love, as he added that the day was a special day chosen by God, as it marks exactly 38 years since the first Holy Family Parish Church was dedicated. He stated that the day marks an important step in a long history of hope, work and generosity that has gone on for years, Fr. Mayaki thanked all whom God used to build the house of worship, especially Archbishop Martins and Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos. Fr. Mayaki thanked all former Parish Priests and Associate Priests of the parish, for their labours and immense contributions to the growth of Holy Family over the years. He also thanked all collaborators, benefactors and parishioners for their sacrifices, commitment and generosity towards the remodeling, and successful rededication of the Church building, as he prayed for God’s grace and blessings upon them and the community as a whole.
