Sylvester ELUGOKE

 

Cultural heritage is what we inherit from our forefathers and are values pass on to the future generation. What a gift God has given to us, what a pleasure to behold the beauty of our culture and what more can we do than to give glory to God.

It was a day of faith, culture, and celebration at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ayetoro, Osogbo, on Sunday 17th August 2025 as the parish held the grand finale of her patron feast day, Mary Our Lady of Assumption, with a vibrant cultural Sunday celebration.

The novena to Our Lady of Assumption was held before the feast day, 15th August 2025, this was held in conjunction with the Parish family week program with the theme ‘The Impact of Environment on Family Wellbeing and Sustainability in the Spirit of Laudato Si.’

The grand finale of the Feast of Our Lady of Assumption was celebrated on the 17th of August 2025, with the day also tagged Cultural Sunday in the Parish. In his homily, the Parish priest who doubles as the Vicar General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Olaolu Ajayi, enlightened the congregation on the importance of inculturation in the Catholic Church. He emphasized that while the Catholic faith remains universal, there are good values in every culture that glorify God and should be celebrated.

The Mass was followed by lively cultural displays and communal sharing that underscored the unity of the parish. The event, described by parishioners as the most colourful in the Church’s history, brought together members from different ethnic groups who showcased their cultural heritage through attire, songs, dances, and traditional delicacies. Local foods such as ‘Akara ati Eko, Ewa aganyin, Oha soup, Black soup, Fufu, Ogbonno soup’ were among the many dishes shared, giving parishioners and guests a taste of Nigeria’s rich diversity.

The parish priest commended the planning committee and parishioners for their commitment, noting that the celebration reflected the true spirit of synodality and thanksgiving.

Friends, well-wishers, and parishioners described the day as historic and prayed for more growth and blessings for the parish in the years ahead.