The Catholic community of St. John Catholic Church, Idumabi-Irrua, marked a century of unwavering faith and devotion on Saturday, November 8, 2025, with a grand centenary celebration attended by clergy, religious, and faithful from across the Diocese of Uromi.
The Thanksgiving Mass, presided over by the Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Donatus A. Ogun, OSA, was concelebrated by several priests from within and beyond the Irrua Deanery. In his remarks, the Bishop reflected on the historic day, noting that the first Holy Mass in Idumabi was celebrated exactly 100 years ago, making St. John Catholic Church the spiritual root of all parishes within the deanery.
In his homily, Bishop Ogun urged the faithful to honor the sacrifices of the early missionaries and lay pioneers who established and nurtured the Catholic faith in the region, encouraging them to keep their zeal for evangelization alive.
A key moment of the celebration was the solemn installation of a new Tabernacle, symbolizing the enduring presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The Bishop also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 77 parishioners, strengthening them in their Christian faith. He later handed over the Tabernacle keys to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Paschal Omofomah, entrusting him with the sacred duty of safeguarding the Eucharist—the Church’s greatest treasure.
The joyful celebration featured songs, traditional dancing, and a vibrant thanksgiving procession as parishioners expressed gratitude to God for a century of faith. Among those present were priests, religious, traditional leaders of Irrua, and numerous distinguished guests.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Omofomah thanked the Bishop for his pastoral guidance and all who contributed to the success of the centenary. The event concluded with a lively reception marked by music, fellowship, and joyful celebration.
The Diocese of Uromi congratulates St. John Catholic Church, Idumabi, on this remarkable milestone and prays that the flame of faith ignited 100 years ago continues to shine brightly for generations to come. Credit: catholic Diocese of Uromi
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