By: Esi EJOH
St Charles Parish on Sunday the 8th of June 2025 was awash with colour songs and spirit as the faithful gathered to mark a rare triple celebration. The Feast of Pentecost, the Parish’s Patronal Feast Day, and a tribute to the legacy of their very first priest. The momentous occasion drew dignitaries from across The Gambia, including Her Excellency the First Lady Fatou Bah- Barrow, the Vice President wife and their entourage, who joined parishioners in a vibrant display of faith, heritage and community pride.
Recently ordained Father Felix Boissey, who is also from the parish in his homily says the Pentecost is not just about the apostles receiving the outpouring of the Holy Spirit it is also about been sent out on a mission, Jesus told the disciples you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses {Act 1:8} The spirit equips us for mission to boldly witness for Christ. The same Spirit empowers us today so that we won’t be passive members of the church but active members of the church.
St Charles L wanga and his 21 companions were young men in their teens who preferred to die than to sin. They are also called martyrs of Uganda, they served in the court of the King Mwanga the Second who opposed Christianity because it challenged his authority and immoral practices the king was into paganism and most Uganda’s at that time. The King ordered St Charles and his companion to renounce Christianity or die by burning but they embraced death. Father Felix encouraged the faithful live-in unity, forgiveness and we should be ready to sacrifice for another.
In a cross reaction from the parishioner Mr Gomez – father Bruno was very generous and caring. Mr Francis Okoli wished his parish more years in unity
The former vice chairman of the Nigeria community Mr Fredena Umpo a testified to the unity in the parish
Her Excellency Fatou Bah- Barrow says I identify with the Christians because I attended a catholic school encouraged the parishioner to emulate the life of Fr Bruno who was not just her personal friend but as “MANKIND AND FOULA ARE THE SAME PEOPLE THE SAME TRIBE”
