BY JOSEPH ODOEKWU, KSM
The parishioners of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Parish, Ikenegbu, Owerri, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, witnessed a historic and colourful celebration of Iri-Ji (New Yam Festival), one of the most cherished cultural events in Igboland. The maiden edition blended faith and culture seamlessly, creating a memorable atmosphere of thanksgiving and cultural pride.
The celebration began with a 7 a.m. Holy Mass concelebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. George Njoku (CMF), alongside Rev. Fr. Wence Isidienu (CMF) and Rev. Fr. Anthony Ibeawuchi (CMF). Parishioners appeared in vibrant cultural attire, marching into the church with tubers of yam of various sizes as gifts of thanksgiving.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Fr. Njoku explained that while certain cultural practices may not align with Christian values, many aspects of Igbo culture are noble and worth celebrating within the church.
“There are elements of our culture that are not demonic. It is important that the good aspects be brought into the church rather than discarded entirely,” he stated.
He further noted that the yams offered during the thanksgiving were symbolic acts of gratitude to God for divine sustenance throughout a difficult year marked by widespread inflation and skyrocketing food prices.
“Despite the hardship, no one died of hunger; we all survived. That is enough reason to thank God,” he added.
The thanksgiving procession featured various communities and states represented in the parish, with the host community—Owerri—leading the line. Others included Mbaise, Orlu, Umuahia, Okigwe, Abriba, Mbaitoli, Ikeduru, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Delta, among many more.
The second phase of the celebration took place at the parish field, where parishioners enjoyed cultural dances, local food exhibitions, a march past by the different communities, and refreshments featuring yam-based delicacies and traditional Igbo dishes.
Adding royal significance to the event, HRH Eze Uboegbulam Clinton Nze, the Eze of Umuororonjo community, performed the statutory breaking of the kolanut—a deeply symbolic ritual in Igbo culture—further enriching the celebration.
In a show of creativity and cultural exploration, the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), St. Maria Goretti Parish, crowned a mock traditional ruler. Anuforo Sixtus emerged as Eze Okosisi I, while Agunanne Chidera was crowned Ugoeze. Other honourees included Chinedu Prince (Oparaeze), Amadi Blessing (Adaeze), Hegemony Wisdom (Iche Oshinawata), Ogu Nkechi (Lolo), Anthony Chibuike (Iche), and Madu Vera (Lolo).
By hosting this maiden edition, St. Maria Goretti Parish has set a progressive model for promoting cultural appreciation within the framework of the Catholic faith. The parish expressed hopes of sustaining and expanding the Iri-Ji festival in future editions.
