A Century of Faith and Resilience: St. Mary’s Centenary Celebration

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February 15, 2026, marked a momentous milestone in the history of the Diocese of Ikot Ekpene as St. Mary Catholic Church, Ikot Ada Utor, in the Urua Akpan Parish, celebrated its centenary of existence. This memorable day was a powerful testament to 100 years of faith, resilience, and growth in one of our Diocese’s vital rural parishes.

A Celebration of Sustained Faith

The festivities began with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. Camillus R. Umoh, the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese. The community was also uniquely blessed by the concelebration of Bishop Donatus Edet Akpan, the Catholic Bishop of Ogoja, who is a native son of the St. Mary community.

In his homily, Bishop Umoh expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ikot Ada Utor for sustaining the faith for a full century. He praised the pioneers who first welcomed the Catholic faith into the community and encouraged the current generation to remain authentic Christians, urging them never to be discouraged as they continue their spiritual journey.

A Living Mission of Formation and Renewal

The centenary was not merely a look at the past, but a vibrant sign of a mission fulfilled and a future beginning. During the celebration, the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 134 candidates and presided over the solemnization of three marriages. These sacraments serve as a beautiful reminder that our parishes continue to be thriving places of prayer, formation, and service.

The event also brought a great sense of renewal through the presentation of awards to both living and posthumous members who have dedicated themselves to the parish over the years. This recognition of local initiative highlights the dignity and leadership that define our diocesan community.

Our Sincere Gratitude

We are grateful to share this historic update with our partners and benefactors in the United States. The enduring legacy of St. Mary’s is deeply connected to the support that allows our rural parishes to remain centers of spiritual life and community strength. Your prayers and generosity ensure that the work of Christ continues to flourish in Ikot Ada Utor for the next hundred years.

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The images shared below capture the joy of the Holy Mass, the confirmations, and the vibrant centenary festivities at St. Mary’s.

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A bishop in red vestments blessing water with a spruce, flanked by altar servers in a church setting, with a marble altar and decorative flowers in the background.
A bishop in red vestments is incensing an altar during a church service, with a group of clergy members in the background. The altar is decorated with flowers and has a large cross on the wall behind.
A man in a white traditional outfit reading from a book at a marble altar, accompanied by a young man in a red and white ceremonial outfit, with congregants in the background.
A group of clergy, including a bishop in a mitre and red vestments, stand at an altar adorned with flowers during a religious ceremony in a church interior.
A group of priests in red vestments gathered around an altar during a religious ceremony, with a flower arrangement in the foreground.
A group of clergy members in red and white vestments participating in a religious ceremony at an altar, with a bishop in a mitre using incense, surrounded by flowers and religious symbols.
A group of clergy and congregants in a church setting, with one clergy member and a woman lifting a white cloth over the altar, decorated with flowers and religious symbols.
Clerical figures in traditional garments gathered around an altar decorated with red and white drapes, flowers, and religious symbols in a church setting.
A group of people participating in a religious ceremony at the altar, with a bishop and priests in red robes, in a church setting.
A religious ceremony in a church, featuring a group of men in traditional attire and clergy in red vestments, gathered around an altar adorned with flowers.
A group of clergy members in red and white vestments gathered inside a church, with one clergy holding a large presentation board while others look on. A marble altar with a ribbon is visible in the foreground.
A religious ceremony taking place in a church, featuring clergy in traditional garments and a child kneeling before a priest. Attendees are dressed in white and blue attire, with some women wearing head wraps. The interior of the church is decorated with religious symbols and colorful stained glass windows.
A group of people dressed in traditional attire gathers in a church, with a bishop in red robes interacting with the congregation. Various individuals, including children in white dresses and adults in colorful outfits, are present in a warm and inviting religious setting.
A church ceremony with many children and adults gathered, including a clergy member in red robes and a bishop's mitre, interacting with the children in a worship setting.
A diverse group of people dressed in white attire gathered in a church, participating in a ceremony. The scene includes adults and children holding candles, with many spectators in the background.
A group of people in traditional blue and white dresses kneel in a church during a ceremony, while clergy in red attire conduct a religious service. The interior of the church features large windows and decorative elements.
A priest in red robes speaking into a microphone in a church setting, with a crucifix and altar visible in the background.
A large gathering of people seated in a hall, mostly elderly individuals dressed in colorful traditional attire, with a mixture of men and women present.
A religious leader in a red vestment and white mitre speaking into a microphone, with a crucifix and altar in the background.
A man wearing a bishop's miter and red clerical attire is speaking at a podium in a church setting.
A group of clergy seated in a church, wearing red ceremonial robes, with some in white garments and a figure in the background standing. The setting features wooden furniture and a decorative wall with a clock and religious figures.
A group of clergy members seated in a church, some wearing red robes and others in white garments, with a decorative background and a framed image of Jesus visible.
A group of clergy members in red vestments stands together in a church setting, with a bishop holding a staff in the center. The background features a simple church interior with decorative elements.
A diverse group of individuals dressed in traditional attire pose for a photograph in a church setting, featuring clergy members in red robes and a bishop wearing a miter, with colorful decorations in the background.
A group of elderly individuals in traditional attire gathered around a decorated cake on a table, inside a church setting.
A religious leader speaking at a podium, surrounded by altar servers in a church setting.
A group of clergy members in red ceremonial robes gathered in a church, conducting a religious service at the altar, with a crucifix and religious iconography in the background.

Join our email list today!

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We would love to keep you informed of the many great things taking place in the Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria that are supported by the USA Missions Office.

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