Madonna Parish CCRN Revival Rekindles Hope, Courage, Records Impressive Turnout
The three-day Revival Programme of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Nigeria (CCRN), Madonna Catholic Church, Egan, Igando, Lagos, has ended on a high note, with faithful urged to remain fearless, spiritually strengthened and courageous in the face of life’s challenges.
The programme, organised by the Madonna Parish CCRN community, popularly known as “Jesus the Corner Stone,” was designed to rekindle the spiritual lives of the faithful, strengthen their faith and prepare them spiritually for the ember months, a period often associated with increased stress and other challenges.
Ministering on the central theme, “Be Strong and Courageous,” Brother Lawrence Okah of the Satellite Deanery urged Christians not to allow hardship, stress and difficult circumstances to discourage or demoralise them.
He said courage, spiritual strength and faith in God were essential qualities for anyone seeking to succeed in life.
According to him, the theme, drawn from Joshua 1:9, was particularly relevant at a time when many people were confronted with economic hardship, uncertainty and other pressures.
Okah explained that God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous after he assumed leadership of the Israelites following the death of Moses, assuring him of His presence and support.
He said spiritual strength and courage were necessary for ministers, parents, workers, children and every child of God, stressing that a person’s size, level of education or exposure should not determine his or her ability to succeed.
The minister illustrated his message with the biblical account of David and Goliath, noting that while trained soldiers armed with weapons were terrified of the giant, David, despite his young age, confronted him because of his unwavering confidence in God.
He said David’s courage was rooted in obedience, faith and spiritual preparation, which enabled him to confront and defeat Goliath.
Okah therefore encouraged Catholics to take Bible study and prayer seriously, while urging them not to neglect the Rosary and prayers before the Blessed Sacrament as important sources of spiritual strength.
He drew a symbolic connection between David’s five stones and Catholic devotion, saying the five stones could represent Jesus, while the catapult could symbolise the chaplet used in praying the Rosary.
The Day Three ministration followed an equally powerful and sober message delivered on Day Two by Brother Peter Ikhifer of CCRN, St. Louis Catholic Church, Egbeda.
Speaking on the topic, “Behold, I Come Quickly,” drawn from Revelation 22:12–15 and Luke 15:18–20, Ikhifer urged Christians to live with the consciousness that Christ could return at any time.
He called on believers to repent from sin and embrace righteousness and holiness, while also taking active roles in the life of the Church without expecting human recognition or reward.
He reminded the faithful that God sees their works and would reward them accordingly.
Ikhifer also urged Christians to forgive one another, while calling on couples to live in peace and brethren to appreciate one another and avoid rancour.
His message created a deeply reflective atmosphere as participants symbolically presented themselves before God in repentance, like the prodigal son seeking the Father’s mercy.
The minister said it was often from such a position of genuine brokenness and repentance that believers could experience God’s mercy and restoration.
On Day One, Brother Celestine Ezeani, also of the Satellite Deanery, ministered on “Praise Through the Storm,” based on Habakkuk 3:17–19.
Ezeani urged Christians to praise God regardless of their circumstances, describing praise as a means of remaining spiritually strong and holding firmly to one’s faith.
He warned that one of the greatest dangers believers could face was losing faith in God or in what they were doing, stressing that once faith was lost, the enemy could take advantage of the situation.
The session, which was marked by intense praise and worship, left participants spiritually uplifted and eager for more.
Ezeani identified praise and thanksgiving as among the sacrifices pleasing to God, reminding Christians that they were called to worship and thank the Lord in both seasons of abundance and hardship while trusting Him for divine intervention.
The revival, held from Wednesday, August 26 to Friday, August 28, 2026, between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. daily, attracted a large turnout and enjoyed the support of ministers and parishioners.
A major highlight of the programme was the altar call on the third day, when participants were given the opportunity to join the CCRN.
Responding to the call, men, women, youths and children stepped forward to indicate their willingness to become members of the charismatic community and were warmly welcomed by the ministers.
The programme also received the support and approval of the parish priest, which the CCRN community described as another demonstration of his goodwill and encouragement towards the renewal movement in the parish.
