History of Our Lady of Apostles Parish, Independence Way, Kaduna
Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church, located on Independence Way in Kaduna, has a long and distinguished history rooted in the early missionary efforts of the Catholic Church in Nigeria. The parish traces its origins back to 1939, when it was initially part of a convent established by Bishop Hughes. This convent, known as Our Lady’s High School, played a crucial role in the education and spiritual formation of young women in Kaduna at the time.
The convent’s influence extended beyond the school itself, encompassing several institutions that contributed to the development of Catholic education and religious life in the region. These included:
- Our Lady’s High School – a pioneer institution for the education of young women.
- Sacred Heart Training College – a center for teacher training.
- Queen of Apostles College – an institution for further academic and religious instruction.
Initially, the facilities of the convent were relatively modest, with classrooms constructed using mud blocks. A small chapel was established within the convent to serve the spiritual needs of the Reverend Sisters, staff, and students. However, as the number of students and worshippers grew, it became evident that the chapel was too small to accommodate everyone.
Recognizing the need for a larger place of worship, the Catholic Diocese of Kaduna took steps to build a new church. On March 11, 1956, at 5:30 PM, Bishop J. McCarthy laid the foundation stone for what would become Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church. The church was designed to serve not only the convent community but also the growing Catholic faithful in the surrounding area, including students and personnel from the nearby Police College.
In its early years, the spiritual needs of the parish were primarily met by Reverend Fathers from St. John’s College (now Rimi College), who served as chaplains. However, with the expansion of the Catholic community and the government’s takeover of schools in 1972, the need for a fully established parish became clear.
Transition to a Full Parish
In 1972, Reverend Father Burke was appointed as the first parish priest of Our Lady’s Parish, marking a new chapter in its history. He was later succeeded by Reverend Father John O’Mahoney, who was assisted by Reverend Father M.C. Neilly. Both priests were also deeply involved in the administration of the Catholic Media Center, further strengthening the church’s role in evangelization.
Over the years, several priests have served the parish, contributing to its growth and spiritual development. Among them were:
- Reverend Father Andrew Dodo
- Reverend Father Vincent Uwazie
- Reverend Father Peter Yakubu Ali
- Reverend Father Francis
Recognizing the need for a more spacious and modern place of worship, Archbishop P.Y. Jatau of Kaduna blessed and laid the foundation block for a new parish church on September 23, 1989. This marked another significant milestone in the evolution of the parish, demonstrating its continued growth and commitment to providing a place of worship for the faithful.
In 1995, Reverend Father George Dodo took over as parish priest, further strengthening the church’s mission of faith, service, and community engagement.
Legacy and Present-Day Significance
Over the decades, Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church has remained a cornerstone of Catholic life in Kaduna. It has served as a hub for spiritual growth, religious education, and community outreach. The parish continues to uphold its founding mission, adapting to the needs of its congregation while preserving the rich traditions and values that have defined it since its inception.
Today, the church stands not only as a place of worship but also as a testament to the enduring faith of the Catholic community in Kaduna. Its legacy of education, evangelization, and service remains a vital part of the religious landscape, guiding generations of faithful in their spiritual journey.