It was a Two-Day Vigil and Valentine’s Program Held at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, Ajobo, Ibadan from the 14th – 16th February, 2025.

St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, Ajobo, Ibadan, hosted a two-day vigil and Valentine’s program, which took place from February 14th to 16th, 2025. The event was a huge success, attracting a large turnout of parishioners and Couples, Widows and Widowers from the parish, and the Out-Station (Mary Queen of Angel. Igbo-Oloyin) were in attendance.

The first day of the event began with a vigil, which started at 10 pm on February 14th which was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Udoh, with the topic “Unconditional Love” 1 Peter 4:8. The vigil commenced with an Opening Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Praying of the Holy Rosary with a talk delivered by Fr. Gabriel Udoh.

Fr. Udoh emphasized that Christianity is fulfilling when we listen to Jesus and make Him the Master of our lives. He advised couples to cultivate: Acceptance of flaws, Constant support, Unconditional love, Unwavering loyalty, and Endless patience, with Bible references (1 Peter 5:7-8, Phil 2:9-4, Rom 5:8), Fr. Udoh concluded by urging parishioners to cherish their salvation and reconcile with those who have offended them. The vigil concluded with the Holy Mass on Saturday morning.

On Sunday 16th February, Couples, Widows and Widowers gathered for the Dinner Party, which commenced at 4:45 pm with a Red-Carpet Photo Shoot. The setting was beautifully decorated, with colourful lights and a conducive atmosphere.

At the Dinner proper, The Master of Ceremonies, Baba Resketi DLandlord, welcomed couples with humour, setting a lively tone for the evening, with all present had themselves introduced.

A Family talk and encouragement was given by Mrs. Juliet Ugi who advised the Couples and shared valuable insights on how to strengthen their marriages and fulfil their duties and responsibilities to each other.

The whole events were all fun, as the Couples had lots of fun, with the DJ providing them with Old and New School songs, Family games; Dancing Competition, Tying of Gele by the Husbands on their Wives head etc. It was suggested by Fr. Christopher Olupooye, the Priest in Charge, that it should be an annual event, as it helps to foster a sense of love and togetherness among the couples.

The two-day vigil and Valentine’s program held at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church, Ajobo, Ibadan, was a resounding success, bringing together Couples, Widows and Widowers from the community to celebrate. The event came to a conclusion with the Closing Remarks which was done by Mrs. Mary Anaungwu the Chairperson of 2025 Valentine’s Dinner Planning Committee, who thanked the attendees and the organizing team for their hard work. Rev. Fr. Israel Onele gave the closing prayer.