Catholic cemetery, where the living, the dead meet

Topo Island, a sleepy community in Badagry momentarily came alive recently following the presence of a huge number of Catholic faithful, who solemnly converged on a colonial cemetery.

Priests celebrating Holy Mass at Topo Badagry venue of this year’s Feast of All Saints.

The mission of the devotees, who had come from various parts of Lagos State, was two-pronged. One, they were there to spend time with the dead. On the other hand, the gathering was to reflect on the essence of man’s spiritual being.

Such visit, which happens once in a year, was in commemoration of the Catholic feast of All Souls.

Sited beside the Atlantic Ocean in an uninhabited area of the island, the venue presented an impression of a disused place despite the presence of newly painted tomb stones overlooking the ocean.

However, its obscure location and perhaps forgotten state, is in contrast with the significant roles the site was said to have played in the rise and spread of Christianity in Nigeria.

Interestingly, from the desolate appearance, one would hardly agree that same place once hosted a thriving seminary, church and rail tracks in the early days of the Church in Nigeria.