Mary the Queen Ekpoma, Edo State
The parish of Mary the Queen is located in the town of Ekpoma in the heartland of Nigeria. The Carmelites were given responsibility for this parish in 1995. There are about 12,000 parishioners spread over a very large area. Besides the parish church there are 21 outstations. In July 2003 a new outstation at Ukpogho was blessed during the visit of Fr John Grennan, OCD, Provincial
In 2002 a parish centre (photo right) opened. It was built with a generous contribution from the Irish Government. This houses many parish activities and wedding receptions in addition to a library and study centre, a medical outreach centre, eye clinic, and a day-care centre for children. The former parish house serves as a parish office and classrooms for catechetics. The parish has numerous lay groups, such as the Catholic Men's, Women and Youth Organisations, Charismatic Renewal, Legion of Mary, all of whom are very actively involved in the life of the parish.
An offshoot of the work of the Carmelites in Ekpoma is the founding of the Mount Carmel Group of Schools.
Mount Carmel Nursery and Primary school opened in 2001, while the Mount Carmel Secondary school opened in 2003. It now has an enrolment of more than 1000 students and there is growing demand for places. The school accepts children from all religious backgrounds. The school is currently making an 80million Naira fund raising appeal for the building of an auditorium and office complex. The school is managed by the Sisters of Jesus and Mary.
Presently, there are four Friars in the Community – three conventual Friars: Evaristus Ekwem (Prior), Joseph Akaa and Kenneth Muoebonam. Fr. Anthony Ogwu is currently resident there on relief duty, while Br. Desmond Okoro is currently there for the year of integration and renewal.
MASSES:
Sundays: 6.00 a.m.; 8.00 a.m.; 9.30 a.m.; 6.00 p.m.
Weekdays: 6.00 a.m.
COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRE
Health Out-Reach:
Mondays & Thursdays: 4.00 - 6.00 p.m.
Eye-clinic:
Twice monthly - dates as in parish bulletin.
Day Care: Monday – Friday
Study Centre: Daily 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Address:
Mary the Queen Parish
P.O. Box 21, Ekpoma
Edo State, Nigeria
Email: marythequeen@carmelnigeria.com
