A Catholic priest in Imo State has drawn attention after welcoming a group of traditional masquerades to his parish during a village festival, urging them to embrace both their cultural heritage and their Christian faith.
The moment, captured in a video that has gone viral on social media, showed the priest addressing the masquerades while they gathered within the church premises.
‘Don’t Abandon Your Faith’
Speaking to the performers, the priest acknowledged the importance of traditional customs in Igbo society.
“This is our tradition, and we can’t deny it,” he said.
He, however, encouraged them not to allow cultural celebrations interfere with their commitment to Christianity.
“As you all gather here for the village festival, also make time to attend church on Sundays,” he added.
Culture and Christianity
The masquerades, dressed in elaborate masks and traditional raffia costumes associated with Igbo cultural festivals, listened as the priest delivered his message before continuing their procession through the community.
The video has generated conversations online about the relationship between indigenous traditions and Christian worship in southeastern Nigeria.
While masquerades, known as Mmanwu in Igbo culture, remain central to many community festivals and traditional ceremonies, some Christian denominations have historically viewed the practice with caution.
The priest’s remarks reflected a more conciliatory approach, encouraging cultural preservation without neglecting religious obligations.
Mixed Reactions Online
The video, shared by entertainment platform Instablog9ja on Thursday, attracted widespread reactions.
Many users praised the priest for promoting peaceful coexistence between culture and religion, describing his approach as one that acknowledges tradition while encouraging spiritual devotion.
Others viewed the interaction as another example of how many communities in southeastern Nigeria continue to balance cultural identity with Christian beliefs.
No controversy or security incident was reported during the visit.
“This is our tradition, and we can't deny it. As you all gather here for the village festival, also make time to attend church on Sundays.” — Catholic priest tells masquerades who visited his parish during a village festival in Imo State pic.twitter.com/cNDAMUdgOV
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) July 30, 2026
