In a jubilant outpouring of gratitude and admiration, the faithful of Lagos Archdiocese came together to celebrate the illustrious career of their cherished spiritual leader, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, as he marked 40 remarkable years as a priest and 25 years as a bishop.
The apex of this heartwarming celebration took form in a Thanksgiving Mass at the resplendent Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. This profound spiritual gathering was followed by a grand reception honoring the “Class of 8” at the Parish Hall of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Victoria Island, Lagos, on the memorable date of Saturday, September 16, 2023.
Addressing the gathered congregation, a distinguished assembly largely comprising leaders of various sodalities and pious groups within the Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), stood as the voice of his fellow bishops, extending heartfelt congratulations to Archbishop Martins on his dual celebration. With eloquence, he proceeded to extol the many virtues that define the Archbishop.
“We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria … extend our warmest felicitations and profound gratitude to Almighty God as we celebrate with you, dear Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, on the momentous occasion of your 40th priestly anniversary and 25 years as a bishop. We offer our heartfelt praises and gratitude to the Lord for having endowed you with an array of exceptional qualities that have established you as a humble, gentle, committed, and consummate priest.”
The accolades continued to pour in as Archbishop Ugorji recognized Archbishop Martins’ enduring impact on the spiritual lives of the people of Abeokuta diocese and Lagos Archdiocese. He highlighted Archbishop Martins’ invaluable contributions as a seminary formator, Bishop, and Metropolitan Archbishop. His dedicated and exemplary ministry has left an indelible mark in the hearts of those who have encountered him.
