The Laity of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Igbogila, Ipaja, Lagos and her Stations on August 22, 2023, celebrated their amiable and youthful Associate Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joachim Erahbor, SDV as he marks his birthday and priestly ordination. Fr. Erahbor, of the Society of Divine Vocations (SDV) clocked 39 years and also marked his nine years priestly ordination anniversary. Apart from being a Catholic priest, he is also the Co-ordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ipaja-Ayobo LCDA chapter.
In his homily during the Eucharistic celebration of the Mass for his birthday and priestly ordination anniversary, he thanked God Almighty for guiding him so far and for making him remain steadfast in his vineyard. He observed that every human endeavour was full of challenges. In his words, “I have had my fair share of challenges in life.” He believed that with a pathway channeled by Christ and an abiding faith in God, a practicing Catholic would always overcome all odds. The highlight of the twoin-one event was the special thanksgiving dance by parishioners and well-wishers to the altar led by the Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwaneri, CSSP.
Among the Church leaders present at the occasion were, the Vice-Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council, (PPC), Sir Bernard Akinkuotu, KSM, the Chairman, Parish Laity Council, Barr. Francis Famoroti and the representatives of the stations from St. Jude, Ashipa, and the Catholic Church of the Archangels, Bada, Ayobo. Presentation of gifts were made to the celebrant after which the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwaneri, CSSP, the church leaders and representatives of organisations and societies joined the Associate Priest in cutting his birthday and priestly ordination anniversaries’ cake to the delight of everybody.
