It was a historic moment of joy, thanksgiving, and spiritual celebration as the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most. Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, on Saturday, dedicated the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church building in Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration began with a solemn procession led by Archbishop Martins.
He was accompanied by priests, parishioners, and other participants into the new church building where he consecrated the altar and the pillars in the church, and prayed for God’s presence always in the church.
The archbishop, who described the church building as beautiful, urged people to always uphold the sacred status of the sanctuary for it to remain a temple of grace.
Martins reflected on the selflessness, commitment, and sacrifices of parishioners who worked for over ten years to build the church and thanked them for their resilience.
“This is the day the Lord has made for us.
”We must rejoice and be grateful for the grace that has enabled us to complete this beautiful house where the word of God will be proclaimed and the Holy Spirit celebrated.
“This ceremony is my first major public assignment after returning from Rome, therefore it’s a special one.
“I bring you the goodwill and prayers of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XVI, whom Nigerian bishops met during their Ad Limina visit.
“The Holy Father told us how much he loves Nigeria and how much he continually prays for us.
“He said he is aware of the pain, the worries and the anxiety that many people, especially the young, are experiencing because of insecurity.
“He assured us of his compassion and his readiness to bring the plight of Nigerians to the attention of the world so that help can come,” he said.
Martins called on the faithful to continue praying for the Pope and for peace in Nigeria.
“We pray that God will bless our Holy Father and strengthen the Church in these challenging times. May the gates of hell never prevail against the Church,” he said.
He also commended the priests who had served the parish over the years, particularly the members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, for their leadership and pastoral guidance.
The archbishop specially praised the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Thompson, describing him as a determined leader who guided the parish through the difficult journey of completing the church building.
In his remark at the event, Thompson said that the structure he met on ground inspired him to action.
The elated parish priest commended the priests who had worked in Tedi before him, for laying good foundation on which the church building stood.
Mr Donald Chukwujeku, Chairman Dedication Committee, said that the church had grown in leaps and bounds.
He congratulated the parishioners for their support toward the church building.
The archbishop decorated the altar with the relic of Gerard Majella as a symbol of humanitarian service.
