History of Parish
The beginnings of St. Mary’s Catholic Church FFN area, of Ajaokuta started as far back as 1984. At that time, some members of the Legion of Mary dimmed it fit to always gather to pray around FFN area for two major reasons.
- Firstly, going to attend Sunday masses at Geregu camp from FFN area was very burdensome.
- Secondly, there was also, the concern that many Catholics may fall apart and be tempted to attend other churches that were already established then within the area.
This prayer gathering began to grow gradually. It was recognized and named Saint Mary Catholic Church, on the 3rd of September 1988; by the then Late Bishop of the diocese, Most Revd. Dr. A. O. Makozi. This was during the tenure of Late Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Ohieku, the then Parish Priest, of St. Peter Catholic Church, Ajaokuta.
Mr. Raymond Eje became the first catechist of the Station Church.
As the years go by, this church community constantly enjoyed the pastoral care of all the priests and seminarians that served under St. Peter Catholic Church. This aided the growth of the community rapidly and was raised to the status of a Parish, created by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Revd. Dr. M.D.A Olorunmolu, precisely on the 8th of December, 2011, feast of the Immaculate Conception, at the celebration of the 50th priestly anniversary of Late Bishop A. O Makozi and Late Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Ohieku.
The following churches became outstations to the newly created parish:
- Sacred heart catholic Church JDP housing estate
- St. Christopher Catholic Church, PYN housing estate
- St. Pius Catholic Church, shemkpekere.
The parish is largely populated by the staff of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, cutting across various tribes such as, Igbo, Igala, Tiv/Idoma, Edo/Delta, Ebira, Yoruba and so on.
Since her creation, she has recorded significant growth pastorally, spiritually and physically although not without the challenge of a failing company with a downsized workforce.