Catechist Patrick AKPAH

It was a beautiful moment at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Awotanas the Alleluia Parish, and the Easter Community witnessed lots of activities, as they welcomed an octogenarian, the priest behind the planting of SCHOENSTATT Movement in Nigeria, Very Rev. Father Alfred Kistler from Switzerland. He worked for many years in Nigeria. His first Arrival on Nigerian soil was on May 2, 1992, which marked the official beginning of the Schoenstatt movement in the country.

In his remarks, Fr. Kistler showed gratitude for the growth of the faith which he nurtured many years ago, and urged the Parishioners to go all out to evangelize, not only by words but by actions and exemplary lives.

Coincidentally, young ones in the parish who were called to serve at the altar, were vested. The parishioners witnessed the investiture of 5 young men and 4 girls to the service of the altar, the first of its kind since Saint Theresa became a parish.

Days earlier, The Parish celebrated her Youth and Children harvest, and the celebration of the golden jubilee wedding anniversary of Pa and Ma Chukwuma Ukandu on the 29th August, 2026 with Rev. Father Christian Dansuma as the Chief Celebrant.  The Youths used the opportunity to showcase their ability as an organization in the Church, taking responsibility that showed they are the leaders of tomorrow, while the children and grand-children of the Golden Jubilarians graced the occasion from far and near. It was indeed a huge success as the celebrant congratulated the Jubilarians and prayed for their well-being.

The occasion followed the wedding ceremony of one of our own, the daughter of Prince Anthony Olakunle Oladokun, who was given in marriage to Damilola Ibirogba, an occasion that witnessed the presence of 4 priests: Fr Ugochukwu Ugwuoke- Isch as the Chief Celebrant, Fr Cyprian Avong-Isch, the Dean of Mokola Deanery, V. Rev. Fr Augustine Wale Taiwo and the Dean of Igboora Deanery, V. Rev. Fr. Vincent Alabi, the homilist.

Fr. Alabi admonished the couples to be very prayerful and build what will keep their love strong as they begin this life long journey, he advised the parents of the couple to help the couples in this journey not by unnecessary interference, and he reminded the couples that they have new parents given to them by the Church from that day, that is their sponsors.

Family members of the couples were in attendance as they thanked God for a blessed day as the new couples began a lifelong journey. Coincidentally, their sponsors Mr and Mrs James Olatubosun were celebrating on the same day their 22 years wedding anniversary.  Few days later, we witnessed the blessing of marriage of three couples, coming together to fulfill their Sacramental union. Mr. Alex Igbodianya and Mrs. Julieth Obierosi; Mr. Benedict Uzonna Amadi and Mrs Rosemary Effiong; and Mr. Victor Akindayo Akinteye and Mrs Mary Olabisi Rasheed, the occasion had 2 priests in attendance, V. Rev Fr Kingsley Okereke- Isch the Chief Celebrant and Fr Cyprian Avong- Isch, with friends and family members of the couples. With the blessing of their marriage, they are back to full communion with the Church.