The Igbo Catholics in South Australia have celebrated their first infant baptism since the establishment of the Igbo-language Mass at Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Church, Kingswood. Source: The Southern Cross.
The baptism was officiated by Fr Chisom Ekene Ilechukwu, whose priestly role has remained central to the growth and development of the community.
The historic event symbolised not only the child’s initiation into the Catholic faith but also the continuity and future of the Igbo Catholic Community in South Australia.
Members expressed gratitude to God as the ceremony reflected spiritual fulfilment, cultural pride and communal unity.
The vision for an Igbo-language Catholic Mass began when a group of Igbo Catholics formed a choir at St Bernadette’s Church.
The arrival of Nnaemeka Umenzeakor, then a Master of Social Work student, further strengthened and advanced the initiative. He actively advocated for an Igbo-language Mass by liaising with community members, and after first engaging his fellow student and priest, Fr Chisom.
This vision was driven by a strong desire to preserve Igbo cultural identity, language, and spirituality within Catholic worship.
Currently, the Igbo Catholics in South Australia are preparing for the World Day of Prayer for Nigeria in March. The upcoming event reflects the community’s continued spiritual connection to Nigeria and its commitment to praying for peace, unity and progress in their homeland.
The Igbo people worldwide are predominantly Catholic and honour Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi as their patron saint.
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Igbo Catholics celebrate first infant baptism (By Jenny Brinkworth, The Southern Cross)
