• 17 years in the making, dedication comes to pass
By Neta Nwosu
A common architecture for Catholic Churches is the shape of the cross that often have a dome or a large vaulted space in the interior that appears to draw attention to heaven. Traditionally, Churches were often built in a cruciform shape, better described as cross shaped which highlights the importance of Jesus’ death on the cross. Over time, some became rectangular. While a host of these Churches assumed circular shapes to represent eternity or other shapes to depict the Church bringing light to the world. But as evangelization evolved, so also Churches are intentionally built to teach theology the more. Newer Churches are increasingly taking more inspiring state-of –the –art shapes to not only suit present day trends but also proclaim the gospel the more. The Catholic Church of the Nativity has further extended the gospel message of the cross bringing to the fore the five piercing wounds Jesus Christ suffered in the course of the passion. This, would no doubt drive home the integral message of the passion of Christ. The consistent recall of the five Holy Wounds also known as the Five Sacred Wounds will of course melt the stone-hearted and Christians, more sober.
The architectural design of The Catholic Church of the Nativity took revolutionary as well as an evangelical pentagon shape. This is quite exceptional. In fact, even around the world, very few Churches are built in this manner. The distinctive and beautiful architectural plan of the Catholic Church of the Nativity embodies the five Holy Wounds through its five-sided shape. The five Holy Wounds also known as the five Sacred Wounds have over the centuries been used as a symbol of Christianity. Speaking exclusively with The Catholic Herald weekly newspaper, Rev. Fr. Sylvester – Mary Oladunjoye, Parish Priest, The Catholic Church of the Nativity, Festac Town, ascribed the shape of the Church to portraying the Five Holy Wounds suffered by Jesus during the crucifixion. “A look at the Church and its structural shape, reveals a five-sided or pentagon shape. Five is symbolic in the Catholic Church. Five depicts the Five Holy Wounds of Jesus, and also, of the call to all of us across the five continents of the world,” he stated. The number 5 is exceedingly important in terms of its symbolic qualities. Fr. Oladunjoye pinpointed other symbolic facts of pentagon. “More so, this place is meant to be the centre of Festac Town and environ parishes. So, that is why we have this shape this way. In Festac Town, we have five parishes. These are some inspiration behind the shape of the Church.
“The Church can take any shape, which may be directly related to what the Church team envisioned for it or shaped the general way Churches in different places or Dioceses or areas; all of them are geared towards evangelization, geared towards the vision of the Church.” 17 years in the making, the Church was set for dedication on May 29, 2021. But the eye-catching architecture justified this length of years. The Mass was concelebrated by Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos; Very Rev. Msgr. Bernard Okodua, Episcopal Vicar Lagos Region; and Very Rev. Fr. Jerome Akinyemi, Dean of Festac Deanery. It was a beautiful and joyous occasion for the over 2,000 parishioners and invited guests. Mr. Jude Nneji, Chairman of the Building Committee handed Most. Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos a green folder containing the key and documents of the Church. Archbishop Martins called for Rev. Fr. Sylvester – Mary Oladunjoye, the Parish Priest to open the doors, saying, “Go within His gates, giving thanks; enter His Courts with songs of praise
.” The Mass commenced. Archbishop Martins blesses the water and sprinkles the people and the walls of the Church with Holy Water. Two Parishioners, including Barr. (Mrs.) Akuoma Onumajuru read the first and second readings. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ugoje read the gospel and the Archbishop delivered the homily. The Credo was sung. The general intercessions are omitted. “Let us ask the saints to support our prayers to God the Father Almighty, who has made the hearts of His People faithful temples of His Spirit,” Archbishop Martins prayed. The Litany of the Saints was sung. Following the litany, Rev. Fr. Oladunjoye presented Archbishop Martins with a relic of St. Anthony, which is placed on the altar. The rites of dedication was performed. The Archbishop placed and sealed within the altar holy relics of St. Anthony. Archbishop Martins then said a prayer of dedication before anointing the altar with the holy chrism making it a symbol of Christ. Very Rev. Msgr. Bernard Okodua and Very Rev. Fr. Jerome Akinyemi anointed and incensed the pillars of the Church. The altar was then incensed by the Archbishop. Altar cloths, candles and altar cross were brought and placed on the altar for use in celebrating the Mass. Shortly after was lighting of the altar and the Church.
The dedication Mass continued with the consecration of the Eucharist. As the Mass came to a close, the Parish Priest thanked the Archbishop, Very Rev. Msgr. Okodua and Rev. Fr. Adeyemi for being there. He expressed a special appreciation to the Chief Shepherd for his ‘eloquent’ homily. Giving the Vote of Thanks, Rev. Fr. Oladunjoye traced the history of the Church and how God has helped to build the edifice and commended the leadership roles, fatherly advices and support given by Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins describing him as a great Shepherd. While expressing thanks to his predecessors who served as Parish Priests before him, he thanked all the parishioners for their perseverance and steadfastness in service of God and pray that God will reward them. The architecture and art indeed lifts one’s heart and mind to God with the grotto of the Nativity the first of its kind in the Lagos Archdiocese and the ‘Mother of Sorrow’ shrine. The church has seating capacity for more than 3,500 congregants and features artwork depicting aspects of the Catholic faith.
