Every 28 December, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Innocents to commemorate the souls of infants who were murdered by order of King Herod at the birth of Jesus.
This year, this feast took place on Saturday, December 27, associated with the feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist. On this day, the Catholic Church of the deanery of Ogbomoso -NIGERIA- gathered all the children in the church of Saint Ferdinand, with a mass concelebrated by three priests –Fr. Augustin Olayiwola, Fr. Salomon Oke and Fr. Gabriel Agboola-, and followed by the children members of the Association of the Holy Childhood from six parishes of the deanery, the animators of this Association, the parents and the Daughters of the Holy Spirit working in this deanery.
The children were liturgical actors of the celebration because some of them actively participate in the choir, are readers, altar knights as well as present at the prayers of the faithful.
During his homily, Father Agboola reminded the children that the feast of the Holy Innocents is celebrated to remember the shedding of blood of innocent children who were killed at the birth of Jesus, by order of King Herod. He encouraged children to play simple roles that can make them very loved by God, to live in holiness, truth and obedience to parents, teachers and their elders.
He reminded them that as the feast day coincides with that of the apostle Saint John, they should love God by their simple gestures of kindness and thus they would learn to write their own gospel of good works like Saint John so that people see and imitate their good lifestyles!
It was a beautiful celebration as the children expressed their joy, dancing, singing and praising God by bringing their gifts to the altar while the priest blessed them.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Solomon Oke thanked all the children for their presence and active participation. He also prayed for the animators and the Daughters of the Holy Spirit who work with them, so that God may give them more strength and grace to persevere in their good work.
After the Mass, a quiz competition was opened on the doctrine and catechesis of the Church. The winning children were very applauded.
Remarkable celebration that, with words of encouragement, ended with a meal.
Sister Patience EFFIONG, DHS. Published on 29 December 2025
