Patrick Chinedu EMERUE

The St. Benedict Feast Day/Sport Fiesta 2025, held on July 20, 2025, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Oloruntumo, was a resounding success. The event, which marked the first-ever celebration of its kind, brought together members of the parish and beyond for a day of prayer, sports, and merriment.

 

The celebration began with the triduum prayers to St. Benedict from July 8-10, featuring a talk on St. Benedict. On July 11, the St. Benedict Feast day, Mass was celebrated in honour of the Patron Saint. However, the main celebration took place on July 20, 2025, with a Mass that preceded the sport fiesta. During the Mass, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Johnson Iwuala delivered a homily, emphasizing the importance of deep faith that finds expression in contemplation, as represented by Mary, and active faith, as represented by Martha. Both lines of spirituality are respected by the Church. He encouraged the faithful to nurture their spiritual lives along these lines while fostering unity and cooperation.

 

Following the Mass, the sports fiesta kicked off, with a welcome address by the PPC Chairman, Eng. Williams Ilori, with the event featuring various novelty matches and fun games. 

The competitions which pitted different parish groups against each other were marked by sportsmanship and camaraderie among the participants.

 

The results of the competitions were as follows:

It was reported that CYON (Ladies) emerged victorious in the novelty match, defeating CWO 1-0. In another match, CMO defeated CYON (Guys) 2-1.

In the fun games, four lucky parishioners won the Calling of Recharge Cards game. CWO and CMO emerged winners in the Tug of War competitions, defeating CYON (Ladies) and CYON (Guys) respectively. There was also Drinking Competition among the PMS, where Obadeyan Joseph, Temitope Olaoye and Akogwu Emmanuel emerged winners. In the Line Cross Bible game; Emerue Vincent and Adewole Augustine emerged the 1st and 2nd winners in the 1st Category while Ogwale Anastasia, Adewole Rita and Ezeamaka Wilhelmina also emerged 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners in the 2nd Category, thereafter, there was presentation of gifts to winners of different games.

 

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the CYON President, Miss Mary Adesanwo and a closing prayer led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Johnson Iwuala. The St. Benedict Feast Day/Sport Fiesta 2025 was a testament to the power of faith and community, and we look forward to future celebrations.