The Life of St.Pio
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as Padre Pio, was an Italian Capuchin friar, priest, stigmatist, and mystic. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, celebrated on September 23rd. He was born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy. He entered the Capuchin novitiate at the age of 15 and was ordained a priest in 1910. He received the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) on September 20, 1918. He experienced various mystical phenomena throughout his life, including bilocation, levitation, and prophecy. He was known for his intense prayer life and spiritual guidance. He served as a confessor and spiritual director to countless people. He founded the “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” (Home for the Relief of Suffering), a hospital for the sick and poor. He suffered from numerous physical ailments and intense spiritual trials. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. He remains one of the most popular and beloved saints in the Catholic Church. His intercession is credited with numerous miracles and conversions.
IDEA OF AN OUTSTATION- ST. PIO (As written on the Parish Solemn Dedication brochure
The idea of establishing an outstation was first proposed by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Abella in 1999. To this end, efforts were made to acquire a suitable piece of land. After visiting three different locations, challenges arose regarding parish boundaries with St. Anthony, Gbaja; Our Lady of Lourdes, Orile; and St. Brigid, Ijesha. Eventually, the site at Jimoh Odutola was selected. However, before the acquisition could be finalized, Rev. Fr. Abella was transferred, and Rev. Fr. Paulinus Aniedu took over as the new Parish Priest.
Rev. Fr. Aniedu resumed discussions and, within a short period, successfully completed the land purchase. The acquisition was finalized on June 29, 2001, by representatives of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF), including Fr. Aniedu, Sir Sam Uwagboe (PPC 1st Vice Chairman), Sir Brown, and Eng. Jide Ogunleye. Representing the landowners was Arch. Kole Akiwowo, acting as the agent.
The initial priority was to secure the swampy portion of the land. Following a site visit by Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Rev. Fr. Aniedu directed the maintenance committee to construct a retaining wall to demarcate the stable portion of the land.
The maintenance committee comprised Engr. Ogunleye, Wilfred Ibeh (late), Joseph Ejiofor, and D.J. Amaechi (“Bonny M”). Their work continued until 2002, when Rev. Fr. Aniedu was transferred, and Rev. Fr. Paul Ighabor assumed leadership.
Our Mission
To create a dynamic worship environment, nurture and grow a community of Jesus Christ, founded and built on love for God and for one another with everyone working as servant leader in the vineyard for the Lord for the salvation of souls.
To create a dynamic worship environment, nuture and grow a community of Jesus Christ, founded and built on love for God and for one another with everyone working as servant leader in the vineyard for the Lord for the salvation of souls.
Our Vision
To proclaim the message of love of Jesus Christ. Worship together in love, build together in love, serve together in love, share together in love and live together in love of God as one family.
IDEA OF AN OUTSTATION- ST. PIO: Parish History
The idea of establishing an outstation was first proposed by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Abella in 1999. To this end, efforts were made to acquire a suitable piece of land. After visiting three different locations, challenges arose regarding parish boundaries with St. Anthony, Gbaja; Our Lady of Lourdes, Orile; and St. Brigid, Ijesha. Eventually, the site at Jimoh Odutola was selected. However, before the acquisition could be finalized, Rev. Fr. Abella was transferred, and Rev. Fr. Paulinus Aniedu took over as the new Parish Priest.
Rev. Fr. Aniedu resumed discussions and, within a short period, successfully completed the land purchase. The acquisition was finalized on June 29, 2001, by representatives of Our Lady of Fatima (OLF), including Fr. Aniedu, Sir Sam Uwagboe (PPC 1st Vice Chairman), Sir Brown, and Eng. Jide Ogunleye. Representing the landowners was Arch. Kole Akiwowo, acting as the agent.
The initial priority was to secure the swampy portion of the land. Following a site visit by Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Rev. Fr. Aniedu directed the maintenance committee to construct a retaining wall to demarcate the stable portion of the land.
The maintenance committee comprised Engr. Ogunleye, Wilfred Ibeh (late), Joseph Ejiofor, and D.J. Amaechi (“Bonny M”). Their work continued until 2002, when Rev. Fr. Aniedu was transferred, and Rev. Fr. Paul Ighabor assumed leadership.
To initiate the construction of the St. Pio outstation, significant groundwork was required. To facilitate this, a building committee was established, consisting of:
Rev Fr. Ighabor -PP
Sir Sam Uwagboe PPC Vice-Chairman (late)
Ben Ufot -Architect
Ifeoma George Ufot -Architect
Rose Umeagbai – Architect
Stella Nwaogu -Architect
Jide Ogunleye – Engineer
Tony Araka – Mechanical Engineer
Z.C. Chukwu – Legal Adviser & PPC Secretary
Amaechi – Builder
Akhabue – Mechanical Engineer
Sir Brown – Architect
Afasawo – Quality Surveyor
D.C.Acyli – Quality surveyor
Azubike Afoigwe – Civil Engineer
David Isiekwu – Engineer
Mrs Adenekan – Town Planner
As the building committee progressed with its meetings, securing proper documentation for the land from the Lagos State Government became a priority. On December 19, 2002, after thorough consultations with the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), the committee proposed five potential names for the outstation to be submitted to the Cardinal for approval. The suggested names were: Holy Rosary, Lady of Mercy, Padre Pio, Jose Bachila and Josemaria Escriva. Ultimately, the Cardinal approved Padre Pio as the official name.
Following this approval, the architects within the building committee were divided into two groups to draft proposed architectural designs under the supervision of the late Arch. Sir Brown. After careful review, a final design was approved by the committee. To ensure structural integrity, the technical sub-committee commissioned Terra Scan Consult to conduct a soil test to determine the soil’s mechanical properties and load-bearing capacity.
Terra Scan Consult recommended a strong foundation due to the expected structural load. They also advised soil improvement measures to be overseen by a piling specialist. On July 13, 2003, the building committee appointed Messrs First Point to develop a structural design, incorporating the soil test results. This led to piling at the construction site to support the proposed building.
On May 21, 2003, Rev. Fr. Paul Ighabor applied for the Certified True Copy (C.T.C.) of the property title at Iganmu Industrial Estate (Title No. MO 10917). This was necessary for obtaining an official composite survey plan from the Lagos State Surveyor-General’s office.
While construction plans were underway, the need for substantial funding became evident. As a result, the Padre Pio Fundraising Committee was formed, led by Dr. Obi Muonagor. After several strategic meetings, the first Project Sunday Fundraising was held on June 29, 2003, raising ₦1,185,935. Following this success, it was decided that every last Sunday of the month would be designated Project Sunday to support the construction.
With the appointment of Rev. Fr. Jude Anyaehie (CMF) as the new Parish Priest, efforts to accelerate the project continued. A Technical Committee, chaired by Arch. Austin Emuanas and including Quantity Surveyor Victor Opara, was inaugurated to oversee the next phase of development.
Upon the completion of essential contract documents, including the Bill of Quantities, the piling contract was awarded to Colak Nigeria Limited, which successfully executed the foundation work. With this, the construction of the main church building commenced.
The church building was designed as follows:
Ground Floor: Church hall
First Floor: Main church
Second Floor: Gallery
Additional Structures: Offices and Priest’s residence
Due to financial constraints and concerns over workmanship, the initial lump sum construction contract was replaced with labour-only contracts. This approach significantly improved work quality, supervision, and cost efficiency.
To further accelerate fundraising, a new fundraising committee led by Dr. Soyoye was inaugurated after the initial committee was disbanded. This team continued Project Sunday efforts and, in collaboration with the PPC and pastoral team, organized a ₦200 million fundraising launch at Muson Centre on March 15, 2008.
The successful completion of St. Pio Outstation was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Technical and Fundraising Committees, the PPC, and the Pastoral Team. Today, the fruits of their labor stand as a testament to faith, perseverance, and community spirit.
To God Be the Glory
Written by Sir Anthony Nwogu (KSJI)
As documented in the Parish Solemn Dedication brochure
Join us this Sunday
God has built a community here, a place where His presence is palpable. We are a reflection of His love and power. Our collective goal is to bring the amazing works of the Lord into the light, so that everyone will see and believe.
Mathew 16:18, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:5.