About Us
A Journey of 37 Years
12th May, 1988 — The Beginning
What is now known as St. John of the Cross Catholic Church Mararaba was founded on the 12th May, 1988 on the feast of Ascension. Before this time, the popular mango tree where the Church started was a Block Rosary Centre. People around Mararaba were attending either SS. Peter & Paul Nyanya or St. Mary's Karu Abuja.
Catechist John Awori
On the 12th of May 1988, Catechist John Awori mobilised people for a Church Service numbering about seven (7) — that marked the beginning of St. John Catholic Church Mararaba. The newly founded Church automatically became an outstation of St. Peter's Keffi under the then Makurdi Diocese.
First Priests
Rev. Fr. Donald Fennessy started coming from St. Peter's Keffi to say Masses in Mararaba. Father Donald Fennessy and Father Oliver Akaatenger were the first priests coming from Keffi at the time.
January 1997 — The Augustinians Arrive
The Church grew very quickly and in less than ten years it was considered an independent Mission and handed over to the Augustinians by Bishop A. A. Usuh of Makurdi Diocese in January 1997, with Rev. Fr. Richard Hughes OSA as the first priest in charge. The arrival of the Augustinians marked a big turnaround for the new parish.
1988
Year Founded
Did You Know?
"The Church began under a mango tree with just 7 people on the Feast of the Ascension, 12th May 1988."
1988
Year Founded
2,400+
Registered Families
37+
Years of Faith
Meet Our Pastor
Rev. Frederick Wukari, OSA Esq.
Parish Priest
St. John of the Cross, Mararaba Gurku, Nasarawa State
Rev. Frederick Wukari, OSA Esq. serves as the Parish Priest of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, Mararaba Gurku, Nasarawa State. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), he shepherds the parish community with zeal, compassion, and a deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
Assistant Priests
Assistant Priest
Rev. Fr. [Associate Priest]
Assists with the celebration of Mass, sacraments, and pastoral care of the faithful.
Assistant Priest
Rev. Fr. [Associate Priest 2]
Supports the parish in liturgical celebrations, hospital chaplaincy, and outreach.
What We Believe
"To know Christ, to make Christ known, and to serve all people in His name — through worship, community, and compassionate outreach."