By: Peace Chidindu
The Ahiazu Regional Holy Childhood Association (HCA), comprising St. Cyril’s and St. Victor’s Deaneries, joined the nationwide celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Holy Childhood Association in Nigeria on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Holy Trinity Parish, Ogbe Ahiara.
The event drew children, catechists, priests, religious, parents, and guests from various parishes and mission schools across the region and was celebrated under the theme: “All the Baptized Children are Also Evangelizers or Missionaries. They Must Follow in the Footsteps of Jesus in His Obedience.”
Activities commenced with the Mission Rosary led by members of the Holy Childhood Association of St. Brigid’s Parish, Nnarambia Ahiara, setting a prayerful tone for the day’s celebration.
The Holy Mass marking the jubilee was presided over by Rev. Fr. Martin Elekwachi, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Chamberline Irozuru, Rev. Fr. Gerard Mary Anyanwu, and Rev. Fr. Paul Ohaeri, Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS).
In his homily, Fr. Irozuru reminded the children of their responsibility as missionaries of Christ and encouraged them to follow the example of Jesus through obedience, discipline, and fidelity to Christian values. He urged them to be worthy ambassadors of Christ in their homes, schools, and communities, stressing the importance of honesty, integrity, and respect for both parents and spiritual guardians.
Following the Mass, participants proceeded to the outdoor arena for the second phase of the celebration, which began with an opening prayer led by Fr. Irozuru.
The event was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness, Eze B.O.S. Mmadinobi, Eze Udo I of Ogbenisi, who served as the Royal Father of the Day. Also in attendance were Mrs. Nwachukwu Christi Adaroloko, Mother of the Day, and Hon. Nnanna Raphael Igbokwe, Chairman of the Occasion.
Highlights of the celebration included a welcome song by representatives of St. Matthias Parish, Aguneze; a welcome address delivered by Sr. Mary Lilian Iwu, DDPD; cultural dance displays; discussions on child evangelization; the Kingdom Dance presentation; Bible recitation competitions; and other recreational activities aimed at deepening the missionary consciousness of the children.
A major attraction of the event was the colourful march-past competition involving contingents from parishes and mission schools across the two deaneries. Their impressive displays of discipline, coordination, and creativity earned warm applause from spectators and guests alike. At the end of the competition, Sacred Heart Parish, Umunomo Ihitteaforukwu, emerged overall winner, while St. Matthias Parish, Aguneze, secured second position.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Paul Ohaeri expressed gratitude to the clergy, religious, catechists, parents, benefactors, sponsors, and participants whose dedication contributed to the success of the celebration. He commended those who have sustained the Holy Childhood Association over the past twenty-five years and encouraged continued commitment to the missionary formation of children.
The celebration concluded with a closing prayer led by Fr. Chamberline Irozuru.
The Silver Jubilee celebration served not only as a moment of thanksgiving for twenty-five years of the Holy Childhood Association in Nigeria but also as a reaffirmation of its enduring mission of forming children into faithful disciples and enthusiastic missionaries of Christ.
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