Father Eugène Ahadji (in blue and black), parish priest of Bè-Klikamé, scored the only goal of the football match/Charles Ayetan
News facts
In Togo, Christians celebrated the feast of Easter joyfully and in community. In the parishes of the diocese of Lomé, many fun and leisure activities marked the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Easter solemnities in the parishes of the diocese of Lomé were celebrated in community this year. This popular celebration has not been possible for the past two years due to restrictions relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Monday April 18, a football gala brought together hundreds of faithful from the parish of Notre-Dame de la Rédemption de Bè-Klikamé on the playground of the public primary school in Adjomayi. Around 3:25 p.m., cries of joy announce the arrival of the parish priest, Father Eugène Ahadji, accompanied by his three parochial vicars, all in blue jerseys.
soccer gala
The first marking match called “Petit-poteaux” opposed the priestly team to that of the parish councilors and the members of the youth coordination office. At the end of regulation time, the goalless draw led to a penalty shootout which allowed the parish clergy to win thanks to the sole goal scored by the priest.
” I am very happy to have participated in this match and especially to have scored the only goal “, confided to La Croix Africa, Father Ahadji, a football enthusiast who had already played in the teams of the major and minor seminary of Lomé. “Frankly, I love football and this match reminds me of my youth, especially the beautiful moments of the striker that I was”he adds.
For the Vice-President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Jérémie Philémon Hounza, “These socio-cultural activities make it possible to share the joy of the resurrection of Christ and encourage mixing between the clergy and the lay faithful”. “They also help to strengthen unity in the parish”adds the president of the Coordinating Council for Catholic Youth Action (CCACJ), Christian Jules Kponor.
Easter picnic
The second match was won, two goals to one, by the association team of this parish against that of the choirs. The festive atmosphere continued with a recreational evening with musical performances, dances, games and food tastings.
A similar atmosphere on the side of the quasi-parish of Our Lady of Mercy of Agblegan in the west of the Togolese capital. Throughout the afternoon, until the evening, a parish picnic brought together this young Christian community, with the participation of the clergy. ” In addition to liturgical celebrations, sports and socio-cultural activities are organized by young people to celebrate the resurrection of Christ in a festive way. says Father Louange-Daniel Egbeku, vicar at Agblegan and youth chaplain.
The secretary of the Ccacj of this quasi-parish, Emeline Pokpoh, is delighted with the success of these festivities. “ These leisure events, she assuresallow many Christians to reconnect with community church celebrations, unlike the last two years marked by the suspension of mass celebrations “.
In the courtyard of the quasi-parish, grills, drinks and various musical performances cheered up the faithful. “I like this festive atmosphere at the parishlaunches Ambroisine Ekoh Dzedu, host of this meeting. And it is a grace, a happiness for me to be a Christian “.
Charles Ayetan (in Lome)
Togo: Easter festivities regain their community and cultural character