Follow Us on Google
The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged parishioners of SS. Mulumba and David Catholic Church, Surulere, to remain steadfast in faith and unity.
He gave the charge as parishioners, clergy and guests gathered to celebrate a historic milestone: the parish’s 60th anniversary, combined with a Confirmation Mass for a new set of communicants.
Presiding over the confirmation, the Archbishop reminded the newly confirmed that their sacrament was a call to mission.
He said: “The Holy Spirit has sealed the newly confirmed children through the Sacrament of Confirmation. I urge them to remain firm in faith, to pray always, to receive the Eucharist with devotion, and to be witnesses of Christ in your homes, schools, and everywhere they go. They should not be afraid to live their faith boldly. They are now called to serve God and humanity with love, humility, and courage. The Church counts on them as the future.”
Speaking on the parish’s diamond jubilee, he charged all parishioners to remain grateful and renewed in love. “All parishioners must remain united in love, and to hand on the faith to the next generation. To our new communicants, be shining examples of Christ. Let this parish continue to be a house of prayer, charity, and service. May the next 60 years be even greater in faith, in works of mercy, and in bringing souls to Christ.”
For six decades, the Surulere parish, run by the Holy Ghost Fathers, also known as the Spiritans, has stood as a beacon of prayer, charity and community life in the heart of Lagos.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Andrew Edogbo, described the anniversary as a significant milestone in the life of the parish and an opportunity to reflect on God’s faithfulness.
“For sixty years, God has faithfully guided this community of faith, blessing us with countless graces, strengthening us through challenges, and enabling generations of faithful to encounter Christ through the celebration of the Sacraments, the proclamation of the Gospel, and loving service to one another.
“This Diamond Jubilee is more than a celebration of the passage of time; it is an opportunity to reflect on our rich history, honor the vision and sacrifices of our founding members, former parish priests, religious, catechists, benefactors, and all those whose dedication has shaped this parish into the vibrant community it is today. We remember with gratitude those who have gone before us, especially Mrs. Marian Jones, praying that the Lord may grant them eternal rest.”
He noted that the celebration was also a recommitment. “As we celebrate our past, we also renew our commitment to the future. The Church continues to call us to deepen our faith, strengthen our unity, and become ever more effective witnesses of Christ’s love in our families, our community, and the wider society.”
Edogbo thanked the Archbishop, the clergy and every parishioner whose prayers, sacrifices and hard work made the celebration possible.
Other News
Associate Priest, Rev. Fr. Cajetan Odoh, highlighted the parish’s visible growth in both spiritual and human terms.
“It is often believed that every height attained by the human family cannot be achieved without the toils and dedication of serious-minded individuals of that community who have intentionally co-operated with the Divine. Such is the story of the parish.”
Odoh said the parish can now boast of vocations, a strong sacramental life and community programmes that uplift the faith of parishioners. “The parish within these six decades can boast of having produced many priests and religious excluding those in the formation houses. In addition to these, many children have been baptised into the faith, couples have exchanged their marriage vows, and many fallen Christians have been won back to the faith.”
He pointed to the parish’s monthly adoration programme, “Beginning the Month with the Lord,” and to ongoing projects, including a new parish hall. Structurally, the parish is embarking on improving and maintaining the structures we already have. However, a new gigantic parish hall is being erected through the efforts of the parishioners. This new befitting edifice will be a rallying point for every social event in the environment.”
On human development, he credited the Pastoral Council and catechists, headed by the late Mrs. Marian Nneka Jones, for empowerment programmes that have raised ambassadors of the parish.
“The parish has played a significant role in moral and character formation of our Christian community. As we celebrate today, we pray to be more established in the power of the Eucharistic Jesus and be inspired to embark on aggressive evangelisation in order to win souls for the kingdom of God.”
Mrs. Grace Okoro, a choir member for 22 years, said, “I joined this parish as a young mother, and I have grown here. To see us clock 60 years feels like God has kept us in His hands. I am grateful for the priests, the catechists, and for the family we have here. My prayer is that our children will keep this faith alive.”
Mr. Chinedu Eze, an usher and one of the volunteers for the new hall project, said the anniversary had renewed his commitment.
“It’s exciting to celebrate 60 years. I grew up receiving catechism here, and today, my own children were among those confirmed. This parish taught me service. I’m proud, and I pray that it will be 120 years by God’s grace.”
As hymns filled the air and the newly confirmed processed out in white, the Archbishop’s message from the altar was clear: remember the past, live the faith now and build the next 60 years together.
