On a beautiful Saturday, April 26, 2025, the youth of the Redemptorist parishes of Lagos gathered at the Catholic Church of St. Martin de Porres, Agric, for the first Youth Sports Festival. The event, in line with the Apostolic Plan of the Vice Province of Nigeria for the Four-Year Period, aimed to promote family ties between parishes and to respond to the pastoral needs of young people. The initiative, which started in the parishes of Lagos, is destined to extend to other nearby parishes.
A Spiritual Beginning
The day began with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by the Vice Provincial, Fr. Michael Emerue, CSsR. He was accompanied by the Vicar of the Vice Province, Fr. Noel Eshikena, CSsR, and the Second Consultor, Fr. Godwin Abbah, CSsR. Other esteemed confreres and young people from various parishes were also present.
In his homily, Father Godwin Abbah, CSsR, offered prayers for the repose of Pope Francis. He emphasized the significance of the date, which marks the 149th anniversary of the solemn procession of the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to the Church of St. Alphonsus and the beginning of the Jubilee Year of St. Gerard Majella.
Father Abbah emphasized that the Sports Festival is a family celebration and a pastoral response to the needs of young people. He highlighted the four fundamental pillars of Redemptorist spirituality: the nativity scene, the cross, the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary (OMPH). These pillars represent humility, commitment to God’s will, the centrality of worship and the assistance of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in every situation.
A Warm Welcome and Gratitude
Towards the end of the Mass, the parish priest of the Catholic Church of San Martino de Porres, Agric, welcomed all the participants and expressed gratitude to the Council and the other Redemptorist priests for their presence. The Vice Provincial Superior, Father Michael Emerue, CSsR, thanked the Sports Festival Committee and wished the young people a lively and fun event.Games and Conviviality
After the Mass, the participants went to the sports hall, where the atmosphere was lively and joyful. The parishes competed in various games, including ping-pong, ludo, whot, ayo, chess, draft and scrabble. The event provided a great opportunity for sharing, learning, interaction and formation. Redemptorist priests and committee members were present throughout the event, with music and refreshments that contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Closing Ceremony
The day concluded at around 3:30 pm with closing prayers led by Father Noel and blessing by the Most Reverend Father Michael Emerue, CSsR. Prizes were awarded to the participating parishes based on their performance in the various sports disciplines. The overall results were as follows:
St. Martin, Agric – 40 points
Ss. Peter & Paul, Tedi – 36 points
Archangels, Satellite – 36 points
St. Andrew, Ilemba – 34 points
St. Stephen, Agboju – 34 points
Corpus Christi, Egbin – 30 points
St. John, Ilufe – 20 points
BVM, Ikorodu – 18 points
OMPH, Amuwo – 16 points
The first edition of the Redemptorists Youth Sports Festival was a resounding success, and preparations are already underway to make next year’s event even better.
Fr. Peter, CSsR.
