On Sunday, June 5th 2022, Igbo Catholic Community, Hayward, diocese of Oakland celebrates heavenly gift of Fatherhood. The entire congregation of the community came out en masse to mark this special day for the Fathers.
The event started with an electrified Holy Mass chiefly officiated by the Chaplain and Spiritual Director of the Community, Rev Fr Osi Modestus Mgbaramuko and co-celebrated with five other priests and deacon. They are Rev Fr (Dr) Alfred Amos, Fr Angelbert Chikere, Fr Chike Agbo,SJ, Fr Kapyunga Nyirenda,SJ and Fr Anthony Nwankwo. Deacon on the alter was Rev Sunny Offorjebe.
In his Homily, Fr Osi went to the time of Adam to remind the Men and congregation the very reason why men were created in the first place. He reconciled God’s reasons for creating man with the gifts of Holy Spirit. He tasked the Fathers to live by what they are called in the society, ‘IDE JI UNO’. That no man is ‘IDE JI UNO’ without being a good man to himself, to his family, to his neighbor and to his community, he emphasized. He further explained how the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit makes Fathers complete in their duty as Fathers and responsible community member. He concluded by saying that ‘Gifts of the Holy Spirit are needed every day in every home and in every situation for one to make heaven.
Before Mass was over, the Men’s proceeded to the Alter for Thanksgiving and blessings. The entire congregation prayed for them. After which high-powered surprised gifts from the Catholic Women’s Organization (CWO) were distributed to every family in the community.
The second piece of the celebration was the social part. The Chairman of Catholic Men’s Organization (CMO), Sir Ambrose Nnamede was visibly excited in his opening speech. He thanked the Chaplain, members of the Clergy and entire community, in particular, the Women for putting up classy and memorable Father’s day for the men. He assured the community of continuous diligence hardwork for the common good of Igbo Catholic community.
The President of Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Lady Ugochi Amuzie thanked the men for their sacrifices and all what they do to keep our respective families and our community going smoothly. She hailed the fathers with booming IDE JI UNO. The President of the Community, Sir Austin Uwakwe expressed special gratitude to all members of the community. He assured of his goal to make ICCH the best faith base community among others. There was plenty of food and drinks with lots of entertainment.
Igbo Catholic Community is a vibrant Community of men, women, children, youths and young adults that come together to offer Liturgical and Cultural diversity for their common goal. It was inaugurated in 2004 to address the spiritual and social needs of the people of Igbo descent from Nigeria living in the Bay Area. The Igbo Catholic Community’s goal is to foster the propagation of Igbo culture and language through the Eucharistic celebration and other Liturgical services such as teaching of Igbo Language, Catechism, Igbo religious hymns and songs to our children. Our hope is to transfer the richness of our culture to our children and share our Igbo culture with the public.
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The Igbo Mass is held on every first Sunday of every month at All Saints Catholic Church Parish, Hayward at 230pm. Mass features Igbo ethnic Liturgical hymns, charismatic songs and music with exotic musical instruments. Membership of this community is open to every Igbo Catholic living in the Bay Area. For enquiries, please contact us through: Info@igbocatholic.org.
