First Nigerian Mass celebrated in SA
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A new chapter was written in South Australia's religious and cultural history as the Igbo Catholic faithful gathered for Mass in their own language for the first time on June 29.
The landmark celebration was held at Our Lady of Dolours Catholic Church, Kingswood, in a significant moment for the local Igbo Catholic community and the broader multicultural congregation.
The event drew more than 70 worshippers from across the region, including professionals, students and families from diverse backgrounds.
The Mass was celebrated by Father Chisom Ekene Ilechukwu, with Father Emmanuel Ugochukwu Ubaezuonu CSSp serving as co-celebrant.
Traditional Igbo hymns, prayers and rituals evoked a sense of belonging and connection to the identity of the Igbo people.
Mr Joseph Amaefuna, president of the Igbo Community of South Australia, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the congregation and all who contributed to the event’s success.
“We felt at home today,” he said.
“Our aim is to make this place a home away from home. Let us also remember our families in Igboland and Nigeria in our prayers, especially those going through hardships.”
Fr Ilechukwu, in his closing remarks, thanked the Archdiocese of Adelaide and all participants for their support in bringing the vision to life.
“Your presence today is a testament to our unity and faith,” he said.
Speaking after the Mass, Public Relations officer for the Igbo Community of South Australia, Mr Nnaemeka Umenzeakor, said it was a “powerful reconnection to our identity”.
“At the heart of the celebration was a deeply spiritual and culturally resonant liturgy, conducted entirely in the Igbo language, a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving their linguistic and religious heritage,” he said.
Mr Umenzeakor said the event underscored the importance of sustaining the groundwork for the Blessed Iwene Tansi Chaplaincy, encouraging the faithful to stay committed to its growth.
“This historic celebration marks not just a religious milestone but a cultural affirmation for the Igbo people in South Australia, anchoring their faith, language, and heritage in their adopted home,” he said.
“Attendees were visibly moved by the profound sense of reverence and authenticity, with many expressing joy at experiencing a liturgy that reflected their identity in such a meaningful way.”
The Nigerian Igbo Catholic community has Blessed Iwene Tansi chaplaincies in Sydney under the Diocese of Paramatta; Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau and Calgary in Canada; Leicester in England; Philadelphia, San Jose and Baltimore in the USA; and Munich and Ludwigshafen in Germany.
Iwene Tansi was a Nigerian priest and Trappist monk who is the patron saint of the Igbo people who come from the predominantly Christian south-eastern Nigeria.
The local Igbo community has about 335 members who gather regularly at a hall in Kingswood for cultural activities.
Mr Umenzeakor, who recently completed a Masters in Social Work at Flinders University, said incorporating local language in worship made it easier for people to “connect more deeply with God”.
The community will hold a candlelight vigil at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Goodwood, on July 23 for one of its members, Victor Ikechukwu Umeh, who was shot dead during a recent visit to Nigeria.
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