The St. John-Mary Vianney (SJMV) Worship Centre, a sub-station of St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Irete, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, held the maiden edition of its Love Feast at the worship centre located in Military Zone, drawing about 350 Catholic faithful.
The celebration began with an 8 a.m. Holy Mass officiated by the Parish Priest of St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Modestus Ogazi, providing members of the Catholic community in the Military Zone the opportunity to gather in prayer before proceeding to the thanksgiving and love feast.
In his homily, Fr. Ogazi, reflecting on the Gospel reading, noted that the Samaritan woman initially saw Jesus as an ordinary man who asked for water but later discovered through their encounter that He was the Messiah and Saviour.
He urged the faithful to use the Lenten season as a period of spiritual reflection and renewal by rediscovering Jesus and welcoming Him into their lives as the Messiah who brings salvation.
The celebration continued with a thanksgiving session led by coordinators of the Catholic community in the Military Zone, including Rotarian Stanley Nnadi, DCI Christian Kanu (KSM), Mrs. Ikejemba Danibel, Mrs. Gladys Amafor, and Mr. Valentine Nkem.
The Love Feast followed immediately after the Mass, beginning with the blessing of food and drinks by Fr. Ogazi. Parishioners were thereafter seated at designated areas where they were served meals as part of the communal celebration.
The event provided members of the Catholic community in the Military Zone an opportunity to interact, strengthen bonds of fellowship, and celebrate their shared faith in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
