On December 28, 2024, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, the Schoenstatt Family in Lagos, Nigeria, came together for a memorable beach outing, closing the year with faith and fun-filled fellowship. The 54 attendees included 11 families, including children and acquaintances.
The gathering began with Holy Mass at 12 p.m. in the Chapel of Stella Maris Catholic Church, Beach Road, Ogombo, Lagos State. Fr. Jude Eze, ISch., the Chaplain of the Schoenstatt Movement in Lagos, celebrated the Mass, which set a profound spiritual tone for the day.
In his homily, Fr. Jude highlighted the significance of the Holy Innocents, whose martyrdom reminds us of the sacredness of life and the responsibility to protect what God has entrusted to us. He contrasted Herod’s selfish, destructive response to Christ’s coming with the Holy Family’s trust in God’s providence.
„For you, dear families,“ said Fr Jude, „the feast of the Holy Innocents invites you to reflect on your vocation to defend the sacred gift of marriage and family. Like St Joseph, who rose to protect his family, you too are called to rise every day to protect your relationships from everything that threatens love, unity and holiness“.
He emphasized three key points:
Marriage as a light in the darkness: Couples are called to be beacons of God’s love, radiating kindness, forgiveness and joy in a world overshadowed by broken relationships.
Protecting the sacred: Modern distractions and challenges can undermine the sanctity of family life. Fr Jude encouraged families to rely on God’s grace, embrace prayer and maintain open communication.
The blessing of innocence: Couples were urged to rediscover the purity and wonder of their early love, focusing on gratitude and mutual appreciation rather than on faults.
An Afternoon of Fun and Fellowship
After Mass, the families moved to the quiet beach for a time of relaxation and bonding. The children were a delight to watch as they built sandcastles, played games and ran freely along the shore. Adults engaged in friendly conversation, laughter and group games that fostered a sense of togetherness.
A highlight of the outing was the shared meal, where everyone contributed dishes, creating a mini feast that reflected the diversity and richness of the Schoenstatt Family. From traditional Nigerian meals to festive treats, it was a culinary celebration of togetherness.
Closing the Year in Unity and Hope
„This outing beautifully embodies our Schoenstatt mission, a covenant family united in faith, walking together with hope and trust in Divine Providence,“ said Fr Jude.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the meeting ended with hearts full of gratitude and joy. This beach outing was not just an event; it was a testimony to the Schoenstatt Family’s shared commitment to faith, family and community.
Looking forward, the Lagos Schoenstatt Family embraces the New Year with renewed hope, inspired to walk with God and the Mother thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt.