AYOGWIRI HOSTS DIOCESAN LAITY COUNCIL

St. Matthew Parish Ayogwiri, has recently played host to the 75th monthly rotational diocesan laity council meeting, held at the Church premises.

Shortly after the meeting was declared open, the diocesan laity secretary Mr Chris Osigwe, introduced delegates from various parishes and mass centres to the parish administrator of St. Matthew's parish, Rev. Fr. John Awaebe.

In his speech, Mr George Umoru, the diocesan laity chairman, told the parish administrator that the primary purpose of their visit was to solicit for his co-operation and support with the laity so that there can be development in the parish. He said that he strongly believes that with the co-operation of the priest and the laity, the diocese will develop faster.

In response, the parish administrator Rev. Fr. John Awaebe joyfully welcomed all the delegates to the parish and stressed that to have a complete liturgy, the priest and the laity must work together as members of one family in the Lord's Vineyard. Also, he pointed out that he always endeavour to carry his laity along in order to achieve success.

Giving the welcome address, the host chairman Mr Thomas Igiere, said that it is an honour and privilege to welcome the delegates to the parish on behalf of his parish priest Rev. Fr. John Awaebe and the entire parishioners of the Church.

Continuing, he stated that the parish was carved out from Holy Rosary parish Uzairue and it comprises of Ayogwiri (main station) Apana, Irekpai and Ugbenor, while noting that the canonical erection of the parish took place on June 15th, 2008 by His lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia.

Speaking on development at the parish, Mr Igiere stressed that the Church has witnessed immense development at both main station and outstations and that presently at the main station, Ayogwiri, the parish administrator has completed the Church administrative office attached to the main Church building and that the construction of seven classrooms and staff offices for St. Matthew's Nursery and Primary School, is at its foundation level, while pointing out that the school is already functioning in a rented building.

Speaking further, he said that work is already going on at St. Andrew Apana, where a priest house has been erected, while a new Church building is in progress at St. Jerome Irekpai, where work on the Sacristy and a new Church building are in progress.

Also at the meeting, Rev. Fr. Mark Akhibi the diocesan laity chaplain, welcomed all the delegates to the meeting and expressed his profound appreciation to the diocesan laity executive, parishes and mass centres on the successful hosting of the National laity executive at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, Jattu on 21 23rd May 2010 and prayed God to reward all of them for their generous contribution, co-operation and support toward the successful hosting.