ODE-ITSEKIRI- AS part of the Church’s effort in taking Christ gospel to every doorstep and as well as caring for the pastoral needs of the people, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Ukutegba, the Administrator of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Warri, on Sunday, May 27, 2018 assisted by two seminarians celebrated Mass at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Ode-Itsekiri, a riverine community in Warri where he baptised infants for the first time after many years.
It was jubilation for Christ’s faithful who for the first time witnessed the rite of infant baptism as according to history, the last time baptism took place in the small Island community was centuries ago.
St. Anthony Catholic Church, Ode-Itsekiri also known as ‘Big Warri’, is an outstation under the Sacred Heart Cathedral Warri and the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people.
St. Anthony Catholic Church, Ode-Itsekiri also known as ‘Big Warri’, is an outstation under the Sacred Heart Cathedral Warri and the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people.
It was a tripple celebration for the people as it was the solemnity of the Holy Trinity, Children’s Day and the Infant baptism celebration.
Addressing Christ’s faithful, the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Ukutegbe noted that, man having been born with original sin, needs a new birth in baptism in order to be free from the power of darkness into the realm of freedom of God. Rev. Fr. Dr. Ukutegbe said it is a thing of joy today to have the sacrament of baptism for the infants and appreciated the faithful for their steadfastness and tenacity to the Catholic teachings. He also lauded the St. Michael Itsekiri Catholic community for the commitment and collaboration in the work of Evangelisation.
Addressing Christ’s faithful, the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Dr. Benedict Ukutegbe noted that, man having been born with original sin, needs a new birth in baptism in order to be free from the power of darkness into the realm of freedom of God. Rev. Fr. Dr. Ukutegbe said it is a thing of joy today to have the sacrament of baptism for the infants and appreciated the faithful for their steadfastness and tenacity to the Catholic teachings. He also lauded the St. Michael Itsekiri Catholic community for the commitment and collaboration in the work of Evangelisation.
He also stressed that the occasion is a very remarkable event to behold as those receiving the sacrament of baptism are infants, adding that it is a right step and a beautiful beginning for the young ones as they will grow in the Catholic faith. He urged their parents and godparents to ensure that they are guided and formed in the Catholic faith and taught the Catholic doctrine.
The rite of baptism was done immediately after the homily with the candidates for baptism, their godparents and parents invited by the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Ukutegbe to the altar before the rite of baptism was administered.
There was a special thanksgiving offered by the parents and Godparents of those baptised for the gift of baptism.
Immediately after the mass, all the newly baptized infants and members of St. Anthony Catholic Church joined the administrator for a group photograph and later had a splendid Children’s Day celebration. It was the first of its kind for faithful of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Ode-Itsekiri. They expressed their gratitude to God, to the Cathedral Administrator and to Mrs. Tosan Sagay and the entire St. Michael Itsekiri Catholic Community for their love, care and support.