Joyful Voices and Colourful Displays: A Recap of the Annual Diocesan Children’s Day Celebration with the Bishop

The Lumen Christi International High School Auditorium, Arue-Uromi, came alive with laughter, colour, and youthful energy as over 1,900 children from 33 parishes and Mass Centres, and 3 institutions across the Diocese of Uromi gathered to celebrate the annual Diocesan Children’s Day with their Shepherd, Most Rev. Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, OSA.

This year’s event, held under the warm embrace of the Bishop’s pastoral care, was a resounding success, marked by vibrant displays of culture, faith, and creativity. The auditorium was filled to capacity with children, priests, religious, teachers, and Holy Childhood Association (HCA) animators who came together to honour the gifts and potential of the young in our Diocese.

Once the Bishop entered the venue, the ceremony commenced solemnly with the Opening Prayer, led by Rev. Fr. Isidore Omondeagbon, Assistant Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS). Bishop Ogun was then joined on the High Table by the Diocesan PMS Director, Rev. Fr. Michael Akhighu; the host Principal, Rev. Fr. Jude Otaigbe; and several other clergy and religious. This was followed by a soul-searching welcome address on the theme “Say No to Bullying,” delivered by Miss HCA, Ejeme Eromonsele, an urgent appeal for greater compassion in the lives of our children today.

The day featured a delightful blend of spiritual encouragement and healthy competition. Parishes showcased their unity and discipline during the march past, while cultural displays echoed the beauty of our diverse heritage. The quiz competition sharpened minds, the dancing competition got everyone cheering, and the smiles on the faces of the children were truly priceless.

In his address, Bishop Ogun encouraged the children to develop a habit of daily prayer, specifically urging them to pray the Angelus and Regina Caeli with devotion. He reminded them to always conclude these prayers with “Glory be to the Father” three times, before praying for the souls of the faithful departed.

The Bishop didn’t forget to applaud the dedication of the HCA animators across the Diocese, recognizing their behind-the-scenes efforts in forming the children spiritually and morally. He also echoed a timely caution from Pope Leo XIV, urging care in the use of Artificial Intelligence. “Whatever is artificial,” he said, “is not real”; a simple yet profound reminder in our tech-saturated world.

The celebration wasn’t just an event, it was a testament to the vibrancy of faith among the young in Uromi Diocese. It was a moment of joy, inspiration, and affirmation that the future of the Church is in good hands.

We thank God for another successful Children’s Day celebration, and we look forward with great hope to next year’s event. Until then, may our children continue to grow in wisdom, stature, and in favour with God and men.

Long live the children of Uromi Diocese!
Long live our Bishop!
Long live the Holy Childhood Association!