ST MATTHIAS CATHOLIC CHURCH @100, NON INDEGENE'S RALLY AT PEACE PARK

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson over the weekend said his interest in the building of the St. Mathias Catholic Church Amarata is hinged on his contribution to the gospel and investment in human capacity development.Governor Dickson stated this during the centenary celebration and launch of N500 million church building at the church premises made a donation of N40 million on behalf of the state government and a personal donation of N2 million.While directing the Chief Historian and Archivist of the state to begin the documentation of the history of the St. Mathias Catholic Church, Amarata, Governor Dickson noted that he has started a revolution in the state by ensuring that all major events in the state are documented.The Governor who said he marveled at the wonderful edifice of the new church that is still in progress lauded the clergy and parishioners for the great and timely contribution to the service of God, noting that they should not only be remembered but also be celebrated.According to Governor Dickson, the reward in doing the work of God is bountiful as building the church of God is building for man.His words: “I am delighted to be presented at such a big occasion as history is being made for the milestone that has been achieved by the church that is 102 years old today.“I am doing this as an acknowledgement of the foremost foundation and history of the Catholic Church over the years as its contribution to the spread of the gospel, investment in education and human capacity development.”

 

During his remarks, Bishop of Bomadi Vicariate, His Lordship, Most Reverend Dr. Hyacinth Egbebo described the occasion as a historic embrace of the faith for 102 years.Chairman of the occasion, Chief Fedude Zimughan said the church is a religious institution used to propagate the word of God.

 

Also speaking, the Parish Priest, rev. Father Victor Samuel Izibeya said St. Mathias Catholic Church has contributed immensely to the material, physical, educational and spiritual growth of the people of Bayelsa and beyond.Chief Moses Odumbga, son of the founding father of the church, recalled the persecutions his late father encountered when the church was established in 1913.

 

One of the highlights of the ceremony was cutting of the centenary cake by Governor Dickson assisted by Most Rev. Dr. Egbebo, High Royal Majesty, Godwin Igodo, His Royal Highness, Moses Odungba among others.

Photo 1- Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (2^nd R), Speaker BYHA, Konbowei Benson (L), a Special Adviser to the Governor, George Fente (2^{nd L}), and a chief convener of the rally, Engr. Anthony Madueke (R), during a solidarity rally for Governor Dickson’s re-election, at the Peace Park, Yenagoa.

 

Photo 2- Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (4^th R), joined by the Bishop, Bomadi Vicarate of the Catholic Church, Most Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Egbebo (3^rd R), Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Fedude Zimughan (2^nd R), his wife, Mrs Zimughan (R), father of the day, Chief Moses Odumgba (2^nd L), Ebenibe of Atissa kingdom, HRM, King Godwin Igodo (L),the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Victor Izibeya (5^th L), and others, cuts the centenary cake to commemorate 100 years of the St. Matthias Catholic Church, Amarata, during the centenary celebration, at Amarata, Yenagoa.