The need for the celebration of Igbo Mass in Munich Germany reveals a cultural nostalgia inherent among Igbo immigrants. In St. Monica, liturgical worship is performed and expressed in ways that are consistent and meaningful to Igbo indigenous ways of worship. The Igbo Mass has been very instrumental in ensuring that Igbo cultural and religious heritage are preserved, sustained, and promoted in the liturgy. Thus, the celebration of Igbo mass in St. Monica serves as an avenue for encouraging and fostering Igbo cultural heritage for future generations. Most Nigerian immigrants in Germany are clustered in large urban areas. This encourages the creation of ethnic and religious associations where ties are reinforced. Igbo Mass as it is in St. Monica, serves the Igbo community well in expressing and maintaining the Catholic cultural identities and values as they are at home. The Mass is a vehicle for expression of faith as well as to teach and to preserve the Igbo language, culture, and tradition. Nigerian Igbo Catholics have found it not just essential but equally pragmatic to establish faith communities wherein worship can offer an indigenous experience.
This is an effort to explain some of the objectives and profound excitement in an Party organised by the Igbo Catholic Community St. Monica Max-Kolmsperger-Str.7, Munich. The party represented a burning desire for a continuous collective Easter celebration for the Community and at the same marks a renewed era of commitment to the objectives for which the Catholic Community was established. The party held in Schertlinstr. 2, 81379 Mathlifinger was well attended by who is who in the Munich Community.
A prayer for the commencement of the party was said by Chief Frank Okonkwo (Enyikwonwa Umuoji). In the prayer Chief Okonkwo handed the event into the hands of God as he solicited for His constant support in the effort of the Community to strengthen the faith of the Igbo Catholics in Munich.
Chief Festus Uzoma (Eziafa ka Ego) presided over customary prayer with cola nut. He applauded the planners of the Easter Party and encouraged all to use the unique opportunity to redouble commitment to the Igbo Community.
In his remark, the Chairman Igbo Catholic Community, Mr Paschal Ikpe expressed gratitude to God for the exceptional occasion and encouraged all to see the Easter Party as a vehicle for regaining the ground and energising collective commitment to the Community..
The Chairlady Mrs. Amaka Bidwell Onyia was vividly joyful as she re-echoed all appeals for redoubled devotion to the Community. Mrs. Onyia reminded the women of their indispensable roles in the Church. For many, the Easter Party was an unplanned re-union of a sort.
An appeal for provision of Top-Quality Piano for improved liturgical services added multiple colours to the delightful occasion.
The appeal for Piano received spontaneous positive responses. Consequently, there was figuratively speaking, heavy rain of voluntary donations. So much money was raised as each donor thrives to outdo the other.
The unplanned fundraising adventure was piloted by Chairman Emeritus, Mr Peter Amaechi. By all standards it was an eventful Easter Party.
