Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Sunday 12th April, 2026 was another day for Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN), Mokola and Bodija deaneries to put smile on the faces of people in different Homes for people with special needs.

The event, which is an annual event for some years now, always hold on second Sunday of Easter also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. Members of the group in both deaneries and invited guests were in attendance at the event aimed at socializing with the people with special needs through praise & worship, ministration, distribution of food items/gifts, refreshment, dancing, and medical test running.

In his welcome address, Bro Alphonsus Okorowu asserted that the reason for the program was to associate and rejoice with brothers and sisters with special needs, who possess a lot of skills in them

In his words of exhortation, Prof. Isaac Ukpokolo described the people often referred to as physically challenged as people who are differently able as he said everybody is challenged in one way or another.

The speaker used Gospel of Luke 22:54-61 (about Peter’s denial of Jesus) and the way Christ looked at him, which he described as ‘the gaze of mercy’ and not that of guilt. That gaze, Prof. Ukpokolo added was capable of saving, healing, remedying and delivering. “Jesus didn’t condemn Peter, hence, if anyone offends you, look at the person with the gaze of mercy.” He admonished all.

Another Speaker, Rev. Sr. Lynda Igwe from ‘Ile Alaafia’ drew the attention of the people who are differently able to the fact that some persons are in mortuary, some are in the hospital who cannot eat or breath, whereas, the people, in spite of their different conditions are still enjoying a lot of things free of charge and for that they should thank God.

She enjoined the people not to think too much for God who created them knows what their future is and His time is the best. Hence, she admonished them to hold on to their prayer, no matter what they are passing through and thereafter prayed that Divine Mercy intercedes for all.

Bro. Hycent Okoye also delivered ‘take home words’ in which he corroborated Prof. Ukpokolo’s speech by admonishing all to render help to one another, since no one is totally independent of another. The gathering also prayed for the Chairman, Organizing Committee, Bro Jonathan Okeh, who was unavoidably absent

The gathering was entertained by the CCRN Choir, Don Bosco and Olu-Omo groups after which refreshment, food items/gifts were distributed to the various homes in attendance.

Bro J.A. Alamu, Coordinator of Bodija Deanery gave a vote of thanks before the program was brought to a close with a prayer by Prof. Beatrice O.

The event was anchored by Bro Sebastian O. Odumah.