The Catholic Church is one of the oldest churches in Nigeria. In Igbo land, the Catholic church seem to be indigenous. If you were born today, you would think the Pope (or General overseer) is an Igbo man.
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In my country, Nigeria, there are three major tribes — The Igbos (Easterners), the Yorubas (The Westerners) and the Hausas (The Northerners).
While the Igbos are mostly Christians, and the Hausas are mostly Muslims, the Yorubas have a mixture of the both and are regarded as the most tolerant tribe amongst the three.
The Catholic Church in Igbo land is one I have always been opportune to attend, especially the one at the end of the year.
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But this year, I spent the end of the year in Yoruba land. I went to the church and it seemed ‘normal’.
Now, in the Igbo land, there are other churches too. Like Anglican, The Redeemed and some other Pentecostal and some other African instituted indigenous churches.
The thing is, the Catholic church is usually the most populated. They usually run two to three services because of the crowd. But during the Yuletide period, they’d compress all of them to one service.
In this one service, the Catholic mass which is renowned for how brief it usually is, is never brief.
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In actuality, the main service would be brief. But when it comes to the money part. That is where the main issue is.
From Thanksgiving, usually a very long procession and testimonies, to bazaar to donations and financial support which will take hours.
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The Yorubas seem not to travel to their places of origin,they mostly just reside wherever they’re born. So the Catholic church here isn’t filled as such.
Also, the Reverend Father or Pastor in Igbo land, is a mini god. They do make sure he doesn’t lack. From food items to equipments he may need, some even go ahead to gift him car. But it seem not to be the case this way.
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In Nigeria, the Igbos are usually said to be huge lovers of money, if you have stayed in the country, you would understand it.
When they do return, it is now a time for show of wealth. For them, during the Christmas period (from 20th December to 2nd January), every occasion or event is an avenue to showcase your wealth.
The Catholic Church in Christmas is another place you also go to know those who have huge amount of money from their donations, offertory and Thanksgiving after Thanksgiving.
In another news, it is believed that the Igbos massive love for the Catholic church started during the Nigerian Civil War, when the Catholic were the only ones who could provide aid to them.
Read Also: CHRISTMAS IN IGBO LAND
But then, in all, when you really need a very Merry Christmas, the Igbo land is the place for you, as they spend all they can to be merry during the Yuletide.
Happy New Year!
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