Several years ago, the need arose for the establishment of a Nigerian Community in the United Kingdom which will provide a home for Nigerians living in the country to have a community where they can have fellowship with each other in their various cultures, languages and traditions. As a result of this desire, concerted efforts were made by the Bishops Conference in England and the Nigerian Catholic Bishops Conference to bring this dream to see the light of day. In 2006, the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy, England & Wales was officially inaugurated by His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, at St Georges Cathedral, Southwark Diocese, London with Rev. Fr. Albert Ofere as the Chaplain and late Rev. Fr. Austin Mbelu assisting him.
Soon after the inauguration, various spiritual events were been organised by the Chaplains to help in boosting the spirituality of its members. One of those activities had the late Rev. Fr. Stephen Njoku as the guest speaker. At the end of the event, Fr. Njoku encouraged the Chaplains and the congregation to establish a Charismatic group in the Chaplaincy that would help in propagating the gospel of Christ and equally helping to fan into flame the various gifts of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the people.
Accepting the challenge, the Chaplains began a Charismatic group in the Chaplaincy with some
persons who indicated interest to join the movement at that time.
That seed which was sown years ago, have today grown into a great instrument for the Lord in extending the gospel to the world, especially in the United Kingdom. By the mercy and grace of God and with the continuous support from the various Chaplains of the Chaplaincy over these past years, the group have grown to a great height. Weekly fellowship are held on Mondays at Our Lady & St. Joseph Catholic Church, 100a Balls Pond Road. N1 4AG (19:00 – 21:00).. So many lives have been transformed by their encounter with God at these weekly prayer meeting. We also have our quarterly vigils, functional ministries, new comers classes (preparing people for the life in the Spirit seminar) and annual crusades which takes place every August. We have in the past years, hosted great ministers such as Rev. Fr. Anthony Ozele, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma and Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka as guest speakers.
St. Paul encourages us in Hebrews 10:25 saying, “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the same day of the Lord is coming nearer”. Despite the busy life in the City of London, every Monday, men, women and children from various races (Africans, White, Asian, Caribbean, etc.) come together to fulfil this scripture at our weekly fellowship.
Join us today and experience a new dawn in your life.