…Celebrates Patron Feast Day
Last Sunday, June 30 was double celebration for worshippers of St. Peter Mass Centre, Oreyo, an outstation of St. Monica Catholic Church, Igbogbo, Ijede, as they celebrated their patron feast day for the first time at the church’s permanent site located at Olumo, Ijede, Lagos. Clad in colourful orange-spotted uniform attire, the joyful parishioners of the Mass Centre, in company of family members, friends, and well-wishers trooped to the church in their numbers to thank God for his uncommon favour and grace on the Mass Centre over the years.
Delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Tony Nworuh, immediate past Parish Priest of St. Monica and chief celebrant, expressed gratitude, recalling the roles played by some parishioners in acquiring and donating to the one-acre permanent site to the Church through the instrumentality of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation. Commending the parishioners for their commitment and doggedness, he thanked Mr. Ben Nmaele, Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, for his generosity in making available his land at Oreyo for the celebration of Mass for St. Peters for about five years. Fr. Nworuh, who was assisted at the Mass by Fr. Jerome Odiejije, described the occasion as a very special one and a dream come true for him.
He encouraged the people of God to always be generous and willing to serve God in any capacity, noting that God always rewards those who serve him with sincerity of heart, spirit, and truth. The Chairman of the Centre Pastoral Council, Sir Chidiebere Nwido, KSJI, in his speech, noted that their humble beginning at the temporary site and eventual movement to the permanent site was marked by faith and determination. “We faced challenges, yet we persevered with hope in our hearts and a vision for a vibrant parish centre. Today, as we move into our permanent site, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to this momentous achievement….
We are immensely grateful for the guidance and support of our mother parish, St. Monica Catholic church, Igbogbo Ikorodu, whose nurturing embrace has sustained us throughout this journey.” According to Sir Nwido, the relocation to the permanent site signifies not just a change in location but a renewed commitment to serve the community with even greater passion and purpose. He envisioned that the site would be a place of worship, fellowship, and outreach where all are welcomed with open arms.”
In his remark, Very Rev. Fr. Gasper Olanrewaju, Parish Priest of St. Monica Catholic Church, while thanking the CMO, the CWO, CYON, and all groups in the parish for working together to make the day a reality, commended them for their unwavering determination, noting that St. Peter, though still an outstation of St. Monica, has been up and doing and shown the capacity to thrive beyond its present state. He encouraged them not to give up on the ongoing church-building project notwithstanding the challenging economy, adding that God will send help to ensure its completion in due time. The high-profile event was spiced with cultural displays, dancing, and merriment.
