A Call to Peace and Partnership: St. Augustine Catholic Church Celebrates Joyous Christmas Vigil


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-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

In a soul-stirring celebration of the Nativity of the Lord, the Christmas Vigil Mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Benin City was a profound display of faith and community. 

The Mass was chief celebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Uju, OSA, who was joined at the altar by a concelebration of other priests of the Augustinian Community, creating a powerful scene of clerical unity and spiritual leadership.

 Delivering a moving Homily, the Bursar of the Community, Rev. Fr. Azubuike Ihejirika, OSA, reflected on the unique joy that defines the season, observing that while the world often glares toward the celebration with immense expectation, the true essence lies in the heart of the preparation. He noted that despite the natural anxiety and the hustle of acquiring what is needed for the festivities, the spirit of Christmas remains untainted by malice; no one prepares for this holy day with the intention to scatter or spoil, but rather with a collective, joyous desire to build and celebrate.

​Fr. Ihejirika drew deep inspiration from the genealogy of Christ, specifically commending the role of St. Joseph as a pillar of the Holy Family. He described Joseph as a man of extraordinary respect and profound honor who, upon receiving the divine revelation of Mary’s pregnancy, chose a path of quiet protection over public disgrace or abandonment. 

This example of godly character served as a foundation for a practical and timely challenge to the men in attendance. The Clergy urged husbands to look beyond the simple tradition of purchasing gifts for their wives and friends, noting that while such gestures make Christmas beautiful, the gift of active service is even more transformative. 

He specifically challenged men to be of direct assistance to their wives, particularly by stepping into the kitchen to help with the cooking, emphasizing that a man should not simply wait for the food to be ready, but should be an active participant in the labor of love that sustains the home.

​The spiritual atmosphere was further elevated by the St. Augustine Church Choir, whose melodious Christmas carols spiced the Eve with heavenly harmonies and rhythmic praises that resonated through the packed sanctuary, drawing every soul into the mystery of the Incarnation. Following the Liturgy of the Word and the solemn Sacrifice of the Eucharist, the entire congregation transitioned into a vibrant session of special Christmas Thanksgiving. Parishioners, led by the clergy, moved with joyful hearts to the altar in a grand procession of gratitude, offering thanks for the gift of the Savior and the blessings of the year. 

As the evening concluded in a perfect blend of prayer, music, and shared smiles, Fr. Ihejirika’s closing reminder lingered: that through mutual respect and a commitment to making peace when needed, the spirit of Christ can truly dwell in every heart.

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