Brief History Of St. John Paul II Independent Mission Terrirtory, Abuja Area, Egbili Omata Anyigba Kogi State.
The above name church was established as an independent mission territory on the 15th July, 2015 by his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Ademu Adaji (MSP), The Catholic bishop of Idah Diocese. Consequent upon this creation, Rev. Fr. Mark Odoguje was made the pioneer parish priest and Catechist Joseph Okolo.
The Church that metamorphosed into an independent mission territiory has its root from a little gathering of worshippers of the St. Joseph Parish living within the Abuja area. As a small community of Christ’s faithful, their faith and zeal motivated the then Parish to pay serious attention to their meeting by celebrating the holy mass with them once in a while. Little did they know that the little basic Christian community would soon be named an independent mission territory. Furthermore, before the creation of the independent mission, the then parish priest of St. Joseph parish Anyigba, late Rev. Fr. Fidelis Egbunu donated a portion of the parish land within the area to the church to enable them seek for permanence by erecting a small church building. Shortly after that, late Fr. Fidelis Egbunu was transferred and Fr. Jeremiah Musa was posted to the Parish. Fr. Jeremiah consolidated on the legacy of his predecessor by ensuring that the Christian Community is established as an independent mission territory. Worthy to mention also is the effort of the prayer leader, Mr. Edwin Ezugwu and the eight families that constituted the first basic community.
In another development, after the official inauguration of the parish in 2015, the Pioneer Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Mark Odoguje constituted the first church council on 4th October, 2015 with Mr. Paul Ochaka (KSM) as Chairman. He further created male and female groups (C.M.O, C.W.O, and C.Y.O.N and holy Childhood). While the CMO was headed by Mr. Francis Ameh the CWO was headed by Mrs. Elizabeth Usman. These two were so hardworking and dedicated that a lot of societies were created from both female and male societies.
POSTORAL LIFE OF THE PARISH
Fr. Mark with the cooperation of parishioners also formed six basic communities for easy evangelization. Namely:
- Michael
- Raphael
- Holy Redeemer
- Gabriel
- Mater Dei
- Corpus Christi
All these basic communities host the seminarian each year and it also aid pastoral work.
On the 11th March, 2017, the mission identified herself with the Diocesan laity council, and commenced diocesan functions. The CMO, CWO AND CYON also joined their various groups at the diocesan level. They lived up to expectations and letter of commendation has been sent to the parish for the various organizations three times.
Throughout the tenure of Fr. Mark, there was also administration of various sacraments: baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the sick, Penance. This is in addition to the numerous pastoral commitment within the period of 4 years.
PERMANENT SITE
Rev. Fr. Mark, did not relent in his zeal and pastoral initiative, and so negotiated for a bigger plot of land that could accommodate both the Church and the father’s house. Through his relentless efforts a cheerful donor, one Mr. Abdul Amade, a non Catholic, Custom Officer residing in Lagos, freely donated his land of about six (6) plots to the Church, on 22nd November, 2018.
- ANTHONY OJOCHUFEDO OKOLIKO POSTED TO THE MISSION
On the 4th of August, 2019, a new priest resumed the mission and took over the entire work from Rev. Fr. Mark who was transferred for further studies at U.S.A.
Fr. Anthony Ojochufedo Okoliko (Fr. Grace) went into action to consolidate on the existing pastoral structures. Two new basic communities were created immediately: St. Rita and our Lady of Grace. With this, the mission has a total number of 8 basic communities. This is to ensure:
- Steady and sound catechesis
- Authentic prayer life through daily masses and prayer session
- Intensive evangelization
- Reception of sacraments
Fr. Anthony’s quest for aggressive evangeization continued to suced as he opened an outstation at Ogane Aji anyigba, named: St. Gabriel the Arch Angel Catholic Church, Ogane Aji. A church that started on the solemnity of the annunciation, 25th March, 2020 has grown so fast beyond imagination. Furthermore, the emphasis on the administration of sacraments, attendance at masses, confession, and the likes were part of his major focus.
MAJOR PROJECTS
- Building of the Fr’s house. Duplex that is under construction as at when this history is being written
- Fencing of the church building
- Building of a permanent Church building at St. Gabriel outstation
- Construction of a toilet at the mission church
- Administration of sacraments at all levels.
APPRECIATION
The Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Ademu Adaji (msp), a missionary per excellence, a pastor with high zeal and dedication to God’s work. We have come to experience tremendous growth in the diocese. We didn’t know that what we have today as St. John Paul independent mission territory will come to stay. But through the help of God and the every supportive bishop, we have come this far.
I thank also our pionner parish priest, Rev. Fr. Mark Odoguje. Who like St. Paul did the planting. He laid the solid foundation on which we are consolidating. May God reward him from his efforts
I thank all benefactors of the parish for their ever readiness to support us at all times.
Peace of Christ be with you all