Osogbo Catholic Diocese Welcomes 18 New Altar Servers At Lagere Pro-Cathedral After Rigorous Formation

Akahi News gathered that the Catholic Altar Servers Association of Nigeria, Lagere chapter, has admitted fresh members into its fold after a thorough screening and training process. The induction took place during the second Mass on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife.

A total of 18 young persons who successfully completed the rigorous formation programme were presented before the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Peter Adeyemi, for initiation rites. Out of the many who started the journey, only these 18 followed the process to the very end. Their perseverance has now been crowned with the privilege of serving at the altar.

Akahi News learnt that within the Osogbo Catholic Diocese, altar servers at Lagere are reputed to maintain the highest level of discipline and moral decorum. The formation programme is known to be demanding, designed not merely to teach liturgical gestures but to shape character and deepen spiritual awareness.

Formation That Builds More Than Servers: Building A Culture Of Love And Service

The training of altar servers goes far beyond learning when to ring the bell or how to carry the crucifix. According to sources within the diocese, the programme inculcates early training in the minds of young Catholics — teaching them to serve one another in love just as they serve the priest at the altar.

It is this dual formation — liturgical competence and moral uprightness — that has made the Lagere chapter a reference point within the Osogbo Diocese. Parents are known to be eager to have their children enrolled, knowing that the values instilled during training often last a lifetime.

The induction ceremony itself was a solemn affair. The 18 candidates, dressed in their newly received cassocks and surplices, knelt before the parish priest as prayers were offered over them. Reverend Father Peter Adeyemi, in a brief homily, reminded the new servers that they are called to a ministry of humility, punctuality, and reverence.

Akahi News had earlier reported that altar server associations across Nigeria have been working to standardise training and improve the quality of liturgical service. The Lagere chapter appears to be ahead of the curve.

Meet The 18 Newly Enrolled Altar Servers

The following young persons were formally admitted into the Catholic Altar Servers Association of Nigeria at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife:

1) FAYEMI EMMANUEL
2) OKOLIE DANIEL
3) NWAODU RICHARD
4) EZE PASCAL
5) OLAFARE EMMANUEL
6) ANAEDO EMMANUEL
7) OBEJI MATTHEW
8) DENNIS GABRIEL
9) FAYEMI MICHAEL
10) ODESANMI BENEDICT
11) ARULOGUN JOSEPH
12) OLUSEGUN CHARLES
13) ORBAN PHILIP
14) AJONUMA FRANCIS
15) EZEANI MARY-ANN
16) AFOLAYAN MARY
17) OTIS MARY
18) JEJE EMMANUELLA

It is worth noting that the list includes both male and female servers, reflecting the inclusive policy of the association. The presence of Mary-Ann Ezeani, Mary Afolayan, Mary Otis, and Emmanuella Jeje among the new members signals a growing appreciation for the role of young women in altar service within the diocese.

It is not a child’s play to complete the formation programme at Lagere. The training involves memorisation of Latin responses, mastery of liturgical movements, and a demonstrated commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and Masses. Those who made the list have earned their place.

Congratulations Pour In From Former Diocesan Secretary

Mr Iyaji Joseph, a former Diocesan Secretary of the Altar Servers Association in Osogbo Catholic Diocese, has extended warm congratulations to the newly admitted servers. In his message, he encouraged them to take their duties seriously and to remain worthy ambassadors of the association.

“Serving at the altar is a privilege and a responsibility,” Mr Iyaji said. “The white cassock you now wear is a symbol of purity and dedication. Let nothing stain it.”

He also praised the parish priest and the association’s trainers for maintaining high standards despite the challenges of forming young people in today’s distracting world.

Here is the philosophical reflection that lingers: In an age when many young people are drawn to fleeting pleasures and digital noise, here are 18 young Catholics choosing the altar over the crowd. They are choosing discipline over ease. They are choosing service over self. That is not just good for the Church. That is good for society. A young person who learns to serve reverently at Mass is a young person who is learning to serve humanity selflessly in life.

The Catholic Altar Servers Association of Nigeria, Lagere chapter, has once again proven that with proper formation, young people can rise to extraordinary heights of discipline and devotion. May these 18 new servers wear their cassocks with pride and serve with joy.

Key Summary Box: What You Need To Know

• The Event: Induction of new altar servers at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife, during the second Mass on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

• The Number: 18 young persons were formally admitted after completing rigorous training and screening.

• The Standard: Within Osogbo Catholic Diocese, altar servers at Lagere are known for the highest level of discipline and moral decorum.

• The Formation: Training goes beyond liturgical gestures to inculcate early values of serving one another in love, just as servers assist the priest at the altar.

• The Inducting Priest: Reverend Father Peter Adeyemi, Parish Priest of the pro-cathedral, presided over the initiation rites.

• The New Servers: Eighteen names were published, including four young women — Ezeani Mary-Ann, Afolayan Mary, Otis Mary, and Jeje Emmanuella.

• The Selection: Out of many who started the training, only these 18 followed the process to the end.

• Congratulations: Mr Iyaji Joseph, former Diocesan Secretary of Altar Servers in Osogbo Catholic Diocese, hailed the new members and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors.

• Why This Matters: In a world of distractions, young people choosing discipline, reverence, and service over fleeting pleasures is a sign of hope for both the Church and society.

• What to Watch: How these 18 new servers grow in their ministry and whether they inspire more young people in the diocese to answer the call to serve at the altar.

— Akahi News congratulates the newly admitted altar servers and commends the leadership of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral for maintaining high formation standards. For more stories on faith, community, and service, stay tuned to Akahi News.