Justin OLALERE

 

The parishioners of St. Anne Catholic Church, Igangan, were filled with joy and thanksgiving on Pentecost Sunday  24th May 2026 as the parish officially invested three new altar servers during the 10:00 a.m. Holy Mass.

The celebration, which coincided with the feast of Pentecost, attracted parishioners, family members, friends, and fellow altar servers, who gathered to witness the special occasion in the life of the Church and the newly invested candidates.

Before the homily, the Seminarian formally presented the candidates before the Church and announced their readiness for investiture after successfully completing their period of training and probation. The congregation warmly welcomed the candidates as they prepared to take on their new responsibilities in the service of God at the altar.

During his homily, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Calistus Afolabi, spoke extensively on the significance of Pentecost, describing it as the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and empowered them to spread the Gospel to all nations. He explained how the Apostles, through the power of the Holy Spirit, were able to speak different languages, bringing people together in unity and faith.

Rev. Fr. Afolabi also addressed the importance of altar service in the Catholic Church. He reminded the faithful that serving at the altar is a call to discipline, commitment, humility, and dedication to God’s work. Speaking about the candidates, he noted that they had spent two years on probation, learning the teachings of the Church, the order of the Mass, and the proper way to assist the priest during liturgical celebrations.

After the homily, the candidates were called forward for the rite of investiture and blessing. The priest prayed over them and officially welcomed them into the ministry of altar serving. The atmosphere in the Church was filled with happiness as parishioners applauded the newly invested servers.

The newly invested altar servers are: Eniola Paul, Olagunju Benedicta, and Peter Francis. Following the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the newly invested altar servers held a thanksgiving in appreciation to God for the grace and opportunity to serve in His vineyard. Family members, friends, and parishioners joined them in celebrating the memorable occasion.

The celebration concluded with group photographs involving the priests, and the newly vested altar servers. The event marked another important milestone in the growth of altar serving at St. Anne Catholic Church, Igangan, and served as an encouragement to other young people in the parish to dedicate themselves to the service of God and the Church.