Fr. Emmanuel AJANI

 

St. Mary Catholic Church, Eruwa, celebrated her 20th Anniversary with series of spiritual and social activities held from 31st August to 13th September 2026.

The parish is named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, thereby celebrating its patronal feast on 8th September, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The anniversary celebration was coordinated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Vincent Alabi, in collaboration with his assistant, Rev Fr. Emmanuel Ajani, St. Mary’s Society, led by its President, Mrs. Ige and the entire parishioners of the parish.

 

NOVENA PRAYER

The celebration began with a nine-day Novena in honour of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which commenced on 30th August and ended on 7th September 2026.

On the final day, Monday, 7th September, the petitions were solemnly burnt by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ajani as a symbolic act of entrusting the intentions of the faithful to God. Throughout this period St Mary Society led the novena and parishioners were committed and participated actively throughout the novena.

 

FEAST DAY AND 20TH ANNIVERSARY MASS

The D-Day finally came to be and was a major spiritual celebration which took place on Tuesday, 8th September 2026, with a Solemn Mass marking three important events. First, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; second, the Patronal Feast of St. Mary Catholic Church, Eruwa, and lastly, the 20th Anniversary of the parish.

Following the Mass, the clergy and parishioners took part in a candlelight procession. The Holy Rosary was prayed throughout the procession, which ended at the parish grotto with hymns to our Lady. The happiness didn't just end here, after experiencing 20 years of God's faithfulness it is only right we thank Him for the grace to witness this glorious occasion, and this led to the grand finale.

 

THANKSGIVING MASS AND GRAND FINALE

The anniversary celebration reached its conclusion on Sunday, 13th September 2026, with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Vincent Alabi.

After the Mass, the faithful gathered for a series of activities to mark the occasion. First, the cake-cutting ceremony was held as a symbol of the parish’s 20 years of growth and God’s faithfulness.

 

This was followed immediately by a get together gathering, where all parishioners came together to socialize, remember past moments and plan for the future of the parish.

The program began with an opening prayer led by the parish priest Rev. Fr. Vincent Alabi, followed by an opening address by the Parish Elder, Pa Adejumo. Series of presentation including dances and songs took place by the Children, youths and members of the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO) thereby, adding colour to the celebration.

A quiz competition on the history of the parish was organized by the CMO Chairman, Engr. Martins Ogundeji, and it was a fun-filled moment in which prizes were presented to the winners. An anniversary toast was made in celebration of the parish’s journey and in anticipation of continued growth and development.

 

ST. MARY PARISH @30 PROJECT

A symbolic event with deep meaning took place that day and was a major highlight in the grand finale celebration. This is the announcement of the St. Mary @30 Project by Rev. Fr. Vincent Alabi.

Looking ahead to the parish’s 30th anniversary, the Parish Priest announced plans for the construction of a parish hall with decking. A seven-member committee was inaugurated to oversee the project, with Pa Ogundeji appointed as Chairman alongside six other parishioners.

The proposed plan provided the parish community with a new goal to work towards as it continues its journey of growth and development.

 

The programme continued with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Ige, President of St. Mary’s Society, who expressed appreciation to the clergy, parish groups and parishioners for their contributions, support and commitment to the success of the anniversary.

CONCLUSION

The 20th Anniversary celebration of St. Mary Catholic Church, Eruwa, was a reflection of faith, unity, gratitude and the parish’s journey over two decades.

As the parish looks ahead to St. Mary Parish @30, the community of God's people remains committed to strengthening its faith, promoting love and unity and serving God and humanity.