By Chris Nzeh
The Parish Priest of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Lugbe, Abuja, Rev. Fr. James Akpaamo has expressed commitment toward spreading the Catholic faith in Penthouse Estate, Lugbe, through Masses.
Akpaamo gave the indication during a weekend meeting with the Parish Pastoral Council, PPC, of St. Augustine, beneficiaries of the initiative, and residents of the estate.
He commended the collaborative efforts that have contributed to the growth of the mass centre, which began as a small initiative last year and will mark its first anniversary in February 2025.
Reflecting on the journey, Akpaamo lauded the estate residents for their unwavering dedication to the development of the Mass Centre, which currently holds services in the car park of his residence.
He highlighted the importance of the PPC’s involvement and expressed gratitude to the residents for fostering the spiritual growth of their community.
Also speaking, the 1st Vice Chairman of the PPC, Barr. Nicholas Eku, praised Fr. Akpaamo’s openness to innovative ideas that enhance the Church’s reach within the Lugbe community and beyond.
He urged estate residents to embrace the opportunity to deepen their spiritual lives and draw closer to Christ through this initiative.
On his part, one of the project’s originators, Bro. Ubaka G recounted how the idea came to life during a casual conversation with Fr. Akpaamo while jogging within the estate.
Akpaamo’s immediate support and encouragement led to the mobilization of Catholic residents in the estate, transforming the idea into a thriving community initiative.
Ubaka applauded Akpaamo’s humility and dedication to his priestly calling.
In a gesture of solidarity, two of Fr. Akpaamo’s friends from the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Texas, Rev. Fr. Onyeka Nwafor of St. Francis of Assisi, Frisco, and Rev. Fr. Eugene Okoli of St. Gabriel Catholic Community, McKinney, joined the meeting.
They commended the PPC’s efforts in supporting Fr. Akpaamo and ensuring the project’s success, contributing to the growth of the Catholic community in the Abuja Archdiocese.
As the Mass Centre approaches its one-year milestone, Fr. Akpaamo’s commitment and the collective efforts of the PPC and estate residents stand as a testament to the power of faith and community in fostering spiritual growth.
