By Mandy Park
St Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos on Tuesday, 8th August commenced the 70th Platinum anniversary of God”s faithfulness, excellence, and dedicated service on it’s ministry.
The celebration according to the parish priest, Fr. Charles Onwordi (OP) will stretch till 21th January, 2024, the day of its grand finale.
Rev. Onwordi told journalists at the press briefing that the Dominican community will use the occasion to celebrate excellence and give more to the society than before.
The press briefing session was also used not only in unveiling of the programme but logo of the jubilee.
Chairman, Parish Finance Council (PFC), Stanley Ezekobe; Chairman, Anniversary Committee, Chika Ajughasi; Programme Director, Evelyn Chikwendu among other members of the planning committee were all present at the briefing.
In his speech, Onwordi took newsmen through the journey of Dominicans from Chicago to Nigeria and to Yaba, disclosing the 70 years historical journey of the parish since 1954.
Said Rev Onwordi ” For 800 years, the mission of the Order of Preachers (OP) has been to proclaim the gospel to every corner of the world. We do this for one simple reason: that every soul may come to know and love Jesus Christ,” .
The clergy disclosed that St. Dominic de Guzman founded the Dominican Order to combat heresies (erroneous teachings) he discovered in southern France in his time.
“Dominic saw the need for good preachers, who could explain the truth of the Catholic faith and reconcile those who had fallen away.” Onwordi noted.
He said that the parish’s doors are open for partnership with individuals or groups, religious leaning notwithstanding, so as to touch more lives.
According to Ezekobe, the parish is celebrating 70 years of excellence.
“Over the years, we have had youths that have become men and women of valour. We want to celebrate youths, who are pining for excellence. At this jubilee, we hope to give not just 70, but 70×7 to the society,” he said.
On the significance of the jubilee, Ajughasi cited the “three scores and ten” (meaning 70) in Psalm 90 verse 10, which he said, is synonymous with completeness and wholeness.
“We are celebrating God’s faithfulness in our lives, the strength in our diversity and some of our heroes’ past,” he noted.
The parish plans to award 70 scholarships, beside the ongoing ones, medical outreach, sports events, seminar/symposium and carols will be part of the massive socially relevant and need – meeting event.
Also, there will be a thanksgiving service led by Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Metropolitan See, Dr. Alfred Martins, at the grand finale in January 2024.
Director, Dominican Media, Rev. Fr. Jude Mary Owoh (OP), disclosed that the church touches lives daily, even of Diaspora parishioners, through Dominican Media,
He cited the COVID-19 era when Catholics celebrated masses in the comfort of their homes.
