It was a joyful moment in St Anthony 's Catholic Parish in Asipa on November 19, 2016 when the Assistant Priest of the Parish, Rev. Fr Cosmas Amede OMV and the entire Christ faithful of the parish came out en masse for the closing ceremony of the extraordinary jubilee year of mercy in the parish level. The occasion was equally used to celebrate the Union of five couples in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. In his homily, Fr Cosmas traced how Catholics have journeyed through the year of mercy recalling why the pope declared the year of mercy. He challenged all to be guided by the merciful Father. Speaking further, Fr Amede said that the door of mercy is still open to all to pass through. He encouraged the newly wedded to remain faithful to their spouses and be available to their various families. The door of mercy was officially closed in Rome on the 20th of November 2016.

The information made available to us showed that St Anthony's parish was among the few parishes who celebrated the closing of the year of mercy in the parish level. We pray that the graces received during the year of mercy will continue to help us to move forward.

Oviemuno I. Obi OMV

Director of Communications