ST. CHARLES L’WANGA CATHOLIC PARISH AT 50: GOLDEN FOOTPRINTS OF FAITH AND GRACE

For many of us, St. Charles L’Wanga was not simply a parish, it was our first school of faith. Before we understood theology, we learnt reverence. Before we could explain doctrine, we learnt devotion. Before we discovered the complexities of life, we discovered the simplicity of trusting God. 

Here, we attended catechism classes with youthful curiosity. Here, we nervously prepared for First Holy Communion. Here, we learnt to make the sign of the cross properly and recite prayers that have remained with us throughout our lives. Here, faith ceased to be an abstract concept and became a living experience. The memories come in waves.

One remembers the excitement of serving at the altar, carefully carrying candles and sacred vessels while striving not to make mistakes. One remembers the children choir rehearsals that often blended devotion with childhood mischief. One remembers parish feasts, Christmas celebrations, Easter liturgies, harvest thanksgiving ceremonies, and youth gatherings that brought together friendship, faith, and laughter in equal measure.

One remembers, too, the long walks to church, the ringing of the bell announcing Mass, the strict but loving catechists, the elderly parishioners whose deep piety inspired admiration, and the priests whose words shaped our understanding of God and neighbour. Those experiences may have appeared ordinary at the time, but with the wisdom that comes from age, one now realises that they were quietly shaping lives and forming character. They were laying foundations that many of us continue to stand upon today.

It is impossible to measure how many lives have been transformed through the ministry of this parish over the past five decades. Here, infants were welcomed into the Christian family through Baptism. Here, young men and women received the sacraments that strengthened their spiritual journey. Here, marriages were blessed and families established. Here, vocations were nurtured. Here, sinners found reconciliation, mourners found comfort, and the faithful found hope in difficult times.

Fifty years may be only a number on the calendar, but in the life of a parish, it is a story of a people and their God. It is the account of a community that began as a seed of faith and, through seasons of sunshine and storms, grew into a flourishing tree under whose branches generations have found spiritual shelter.

It is imperative to remind us that the story of St. Charles L’Wanga Parish is therefore written not only in parish records but in human lives. It is written in transformed hearts, restored families, answered prayers, and enduring faith.

As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee, gratitude naturally fills our hearts. We thank God for His faithfulness through every chapter of this remarkable journey. We thank Him for the priests He sent to guide His people. We thank Him for the religious men and women whose witness strengthened the community. We thank Him for the lay faithful whose dedication sustained parish life from one generation to another.

Let us be quick to note that every jubilee also carries a challenge. It asks not merely where we have been but where we are going. The pioneers who built this parish have handed over a precious inheritance. The responsibility now rests with the present generation to preserve it, strengthen it, and pass it on, enriched, to those who will come after us.

May the faith that sustained our fathers and mothers remain alive in our children. May the values that shaped previous generations continue to guide future generations. May St. Charles L’Wanga remain a guiding example of faith, hope, and charity in our community and beyond.

As the Church marks this historic milestone, I join numerous men, women, youths and children of St. Charles L’Wanga Parish in congratulating His Grace, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem, Archbishop of Calabar, whose pastoral leadership continues to enrich the Archdiocese. I also felicitate with the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Christopher Naseri, whose ministry has brought encouragement and spiritual strength to God’s people.

I salute the parish administrators, Reverend Fathers; Emmanuel Bekomson and Anthony Ekpo, who have carried the burdens of leadership with devotion and sacrifice. Their work often extends beyond what is visible from the sanctuary. They have shepherded the flock through moments of joy and sorrow, growth and challenge, always trusting in God’s unfailing providence. Many thanks to other priests who served in the parish at different times, during these fifty years. For those who have completed their earthly pilgrimages, may they enjoy their eternal reward in heaven.

Similarly, there were lay faithful, who gave generously when resources were scarce. There were those who mixed cement, cleared bushes, carried blocks, organised fundraisings, taught catechism classes, cleaned the church, arranged flowers, visited the sick, and served quietly without seeking applause. Their names may not all appear in commemorative brochures, but they are written in the living history of this parish and, surely, in the book of life. Deepest appreciation to past and present members of the Pastoral and Laity Councils as well as other organisations and groups. May your reward be great on earth and hereafter.

As the golden bells ring out across the parish today, they seem to carry a message beyond the festivities themselves. They remind us that fifty years ago, faithful men and women trusted God enough to begin a journey whose fruits we now enjoy. They remind us that God's faithfulness has never failed. Above all, they remind us that the story of St. Charles L’Wanga Parish is still being written.

For fifty years, God has walked with His people here. For fifty years, His grace has sustained this community. For fifty years, St. Charles L’Wanga Catholic Parish has stood as a witness to the enduring power of faith. And for that, we give thanks.

As Fr. Bekomson, will frequently remind us, this worshipping community, SCLP, is a place called home.

To God alone be the glory.

Happy Golden Jubilee, St. Charles L’Wanga Catholic Parish.

Anthony Ekpo Bassey, PhD, is a lay faithful of St. Charles L’Wanga Parish, Essien Town, Calabar.