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Elderly Couple in Nigeria Lauded for “uncommon faith in the Eucharist” at Wedding

Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza and 80-year-old Yakubu Agabus, and his partner Sofia Agabus (70). Credit: Yola diocese
Abah Anthony John

By Abah Anthony John

Yola, 01 March, 2024 / 8:57 pm (ACI Africa).

Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of the Catholic Diocese of Yola in Nigeria has praised an elderly Catholic couple who he joined in Holy Matrimony for exhibiting immense faith in the Eucharist.

In his homily during the Wednesday, February 29 wedding at St. Paul Tola Parish of Yola Diocese Bishop Mamza encouraged 80-year-old Yakubu Agabus, and his partner Sofia Agabus (70), for making effort to get reconciled to Christ in the Lenten Season.

“It is an uncommon faith to see couples who are advanced in age such as this people to decide that they want to right their ways with God and reunite themselves back to the church through the Eucharist,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop said.

He added, “I commend them for their courageous decision to return to Christ through the sacred bond of marriage, especially during this solemn period of Lent.”

“This couple represents a testimony of enduring love spanning decades of forgiveness, faithfulness and love for each other,” Bishop Mamza said of the two who have been together for 50 years.

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The Nigerian Bishop who has been recognized widely for his peace initiatives in the West African nation said, “Their commitment to being exemplary models of Christian living to their grandchildren resonated deeply with all present, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of passing on the values of faith, love, and forgiveness to future generations.”

“The couple's wedding serves as a poignant reminder that love knows no bounds and that the journey of faith is one that continues to evolve and deepen over time,” Bishop Mamza said.

The Catholic Bishop who has been at the helm of Yola Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in April 2011 further said, “Their decision to renew their vows after 50 years of marriage is a testament to the enduring bond they share and the unwavering strength of their commitment to each other and to Christ.”

Also speaking during the ceremony, Yakubu said, “We took the decision to get married in the church at this advanced age because we want to be reunited to the Church and begin to receive the Holy communion before our death and to also be a good example to our children and grandchildren on how to live a good Christian life.” 

“For the past 50 years we have been living as man and wife and we have not received the holy communion because we are not wedded in the church and our marriage is not in union with the Church and when we heard that the bishop will be coming to our local government, and this being a Lenten season, we decided to take advantage of this opportunity to get married,” he added.

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Abah Anthony John

Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.

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