The 5th of August, 2025, dawned with joy and excitement for the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) children of Uromi Diocese, as nine hundred and ninety-eight (998) children, together with their animators from thirty-two (32) different parishes gathered for their annual HCA Diocesan Congress/Camp.
The four-day event, held from the 5th to 8th of August at Lumen-Christi International High School, Arue-Uromi, was themed “We are Missionaries of Hope.” The congress commenced with an opening Mass, as the Uromi community welcomed a colorful procession of buses and enthusiastic children streaming into the school premises.
The congress was packed with spiritual, educational, and recreational activities including: March Past, Rosary Procession, Cultural Dance Drama, Cooking Competition, Confession, Spiritual Talks, Quiz Competition, Sports, Variety Night / Master and Miss HCA Pageantry, and lots more.
These events fostered teamwork, creativity, and deepened the children’s spiritual lives.
The winners of the various competitions were as follows:
1st Position: St. Benedict, Ubiaja
2nd Position: Mary the Queen, Ekpoma
3rd Position: St. Ignatius, Efandion
Master HCA: Master Sixtus Hilary Atokhala (Our Lady of Lourdes, Idigun-Uromi)
Miss HCA: Miss Emmanuella Omokhua (St. Gregory the Great, Ekpoma)
-Episcopal Presence and Message
A major highlight of the event was the Mass on the third day (Thursday), celebrated by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr Donatus A. Ogun, the Bishop of Uromi Diocese. In attendance were Rev. Fr Michael Akhighu (PMS Director), Rev. Fr Isidore Omondeagbon (Assistant PMS Director), Rev. Fr Jude Otaigbe (Principal, Lumen-Christi International High School), Rev. Fr Benjamin Uduebholo (Bishop’s Secretary), Sr. Laetitia Ikechi (Diocesan HCA Coordinator)
In his homily, the bishop encouraged the children, stating that it is possible to be young and be holy, and urged them to become Missionaries of Hope through trust in God, good actions, and uplifting words.
During the mass, the bishop also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the PMS Director, Assistant Director, HCA Coordinator, and all the animators for their dedication and service to the children of the Diocese.
His presence at the congress brought not only a spiritual uplift but also immense joy and grace to the children, who were visibly delighted to have him among them.
The 2025 HCA Diocesan Congress was more than just time away from home; it was a period of learning, recreation, and spiritual growth. Each child departed with a token of appreciation—notebooks and biros—but more importantly, with cherished memories and renewed faith.
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