It was a day filled with joy and thanksgiving on Sunday 13th of July 2025, as Bishop Joseph Toal officially inaugurated the African Catholic Community in the Diocese of Motherwell, at St Patrick’s Craigneuk.
The celebration began with a vibrant Holy Mass at 1:00 PM, concluding at 2:30 PM, with over 150 people in attendance. The rich diversity of attendees, representing various parts of Africa, highlighted the beauty and promise of this new community, which has been thoughtfully established as a space to nurture the faith of African Catholics within the cultural richness of their heritage.
In his homily, Bishop Toal urged everyone to embrace a love that knows no boundaries, drawing from the Gospel’s parable of the Good Samaritan. He reminded the congregation that true Christian witness lies in compassion, unity, and care for one another, values that this new community is poised to embody.
The initiative to establish the African Catholic Community in the Diocese of Motherwell came directly from Bishop Joseph Toal, who recognised the need to bring African Catholics together under one spiritual and cultural umbrella. His vision was to create a space where members could deepen their faith through expressions rooted in their shared heritage, enriching the diocese with their vibrant mode of worship, while also easing cultural integration and helping them feel more at home in their new environment. Thus, this community becomes not just a faith group, but a platform for bonding, spiritual growth, and cultural inclusion.
The inaugural Mass was graced by several clergy and religious from within and beyond the community. Among those present were: Fr. Ricklan Maylla, CSSp, Fr. Ghislain Bakulikire Mulumanzi, Fr. Oluwafemi Victor Orilua, CSSp, Fr. Romanus Eyinnia, Fr. Godfrey Odigbo, CSSp, Fr Emmanuel Ikpa, Fr. Vincent G. Lochhart, of Missio Scotland (formerly a missionary in Cameroon), Deacon Harry, and later joined by Deacon Igwe Christopher, Fr. James Flynn, CSSp, a former missionary to Angola and Cameroon, Also in attendance were three Nigerian Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus: Sr. Immaculata Njoku EHJ, Sr. Evelyn Okonta EHJ, Sr. Felicia Lewis, EHJ
Adding to the occasion’s warmth, members of the Scottish Catholic community joined in large numbers, exemplifying the Scottish spirit of hospitality and welcome. The Nigerian Catholic Community was also well represented, led by their chairman Mr. Olufemi Alayande, Dr Eloamaka Okonkwo-Ogbu, their choir mistress and Fr. Chukwuemeka Vincent Livinus, SMMM, who delightfully served as the Mass keyboardist.
The diversity and cultural richness of the celebration were powerfully expressed during the Prayer of the Faithful, offered in multiple African languages—Shona (Zimbabwe), English, Luganda (Uganda), Bafang (Cameroon), Chichewa (Malawi), and Kikongo (Congo). The choice of songs at the Mass reflected the richness of African cultures. Coordinated by Valentine Nwafor-Orizu, CSSp, a Spiritan Scholastic on pastoral experience in the UK, the choir offered a beautiful expression of African liturgical tradition. The Mass servers were at their best
The offertory procession embraced a distinct African liturgical style, with the presentation of fruits carried in traditional baskets, followed by the bread and wine, all reverently received by the bishop.
After the Mass, the community gathered in the parish hall for a lively reception, featuring delicious African dishes and the symbolic cutting of the inauguration cake, with Bishop Toal at the centre of the celebration.
This reception was generously and jointly funded by members of the African community clergy and the steering committee, which included Chidindu Oguamanam, Theresa Eze, Johnbosco Ekejiuba, Chizobam Ejinima, Ugwu Chinemerem, Kelechi Omeke, and Kesiena.
From all indications, this beautiful first outing holds great promise. It marks the beginning of what could grow into a thriving and dynamic hub of faith within the diocese, rich in culture, rooted in love, and alive in the Spirit.
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