…Presents awards to Archbishop Martins, Cardinal Okogie, priests, lay leaders, Orjiakor, others
The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos was bustling with excitement last weekend when the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) of the Archdiocese celebrated its annual Rally with the Archbishop in grand style, at the Catholic Church of Ascension, Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos. The colourful and joyful celebration of faith which commenced with Mass celebrated by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, saw the children, priests, religious and lay faithful turn up in their numbers to grace the function.
The second part of the event had HRH Erelu (Dr.) Abiola Dosumu as chairperson on the occasion, where the children thrilled the audience with march-past display, cultural dance, Bible recitation, among other delightful activities. The Association led by Rev. Sr. Doris Gali SHCJ, the Archdiocesan Coordinator, rolled out some of MCA’s achievements for the year, including Charity visits by the children at Deanery/parish levels to orphanages, hospitals and vulnerable communities across Lagos State. Sr. Gali disclosed that a good number of disadvantaged children also benefited from MCA’s outreach programmes, where they (needy) received essential items such as food, clothing, and educational materials. “MCA Lagos Archdiocese demonstrates Christ’s love and compassion through this initiative”, she noted.
Awards were presented to outstanding supporters, including Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Emeritus Archbishop of Lagos as Great Grand Patriarch; Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins as Grand Patriarch, while Very Rev. Fr. Francis Anyanwu, Episcopal Vicar of Badagry Region and Very Rev. Fr. Francis Ike, Parish Priest, Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo were also recognised for their contributions to the association.
Other awardees include Mrs. Henrietta Ojiakor of Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo; Mr. Ugonna Ezeifedi, President, Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council; Ms. Rita Adinnu, former MCA Administrative Secretary; Mr. Oha Chimobi Francis of Badagry Deanery; Mrs. Grace Ogunwale, Head of Inauguration Committee, Ipaja Deanery; Mrs. Chinedu Olomu of Epe Deanery, Ms. Rita Osereme Umanhonlen-Okoh, Welfare Officer, Isolo Deanery; Rev. Sr. Yewande Adeleke, OSF, Satellite Deanery Coordinator and Ms. Angel Njoku, Lekki Deanery Coordinator. Others are Mr. John Laniran of Ijede Deanery; Ms. Mary Kehinde Eyinade, Head of MCA Enrollment ADC; Mrs. Bekei Ijewere of Our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help; Barrister Kingsley Ekwem, President, Catholic Men Organisation, Lagos Archdiocese; Mrs. Catherine Alabi, President, Catholic Women Organisation, Lagos Archdiocese and Mrs. Okere Bernadette Akunnaya of Surulere Deanery. Over 3,000 children were in attendance with Animators, Patron/ Patronesses of MCA and guests.
