APRIL 2011: PART 3 - Birthday Party : Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria

APRIL 2011 PART 3: H.E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria is 65!

With Msgr. Jean-Sylvain Emien at the helm, supported by the MCST and Khaye and James, a surprise birthday party was ear marked for His Excellency’s 65^th birthday.
On the 26^th of April, right after the ‘no movement’ memo due to the gubernatorial elections, guests started arriving at The Nunciature. The first to arrive were Dr. and Mrs. Martin Uhomoibhi, the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs. 
Friends and well-wishers lined by the staircase…
and PRESTO… 
as he descended, the chord was struck, Ave Maria floated in the air courtesy of Maria Cecilia Toledo de Schmillen with that amazing voice of hers. Ode to Joy followed. And a very rousing Happy Birthday joined by the well-wishers.
What started to be a very low-keyed and muted event turned out to be a very very lively and merry celebration …
what with the energetic dancing…
hmmmm must be due to the sumptuous dinner served.
Pictures tell more:

H. E. Archbishop Augustine Kasujja was feted with a surprise birthday party...

... Cecilia, the wife of the German Ambassador  and the guests and well-wishers while waiting for the Apostolic Nuncio

...as the celebrant came, Cecilia welcomed him with a rousing rendition of  'Ave Maria'

...and the choral group entertained the Nuncio and the guests with their very lively songs...Ode to Joy (so sweetly sang by Cecilia) and Happy Birthday joined by the guests

...the Nuncio was somehow at a loss for words (...'I wanted to hug each and everyone of you' he intoned o so softly) as he sincerely applauded Mrs. Maria Cecilia Toledo de Schmillen- and her group and thanked everybody for their presence to celebrate with him (yeah, he didn't forget that Fr. Raymond also just celebrated his birthday)...

German Ambassador Joachim Schmillen and wife Cecilia greeting the Apostolic Nuncio closely followed by Dr. Odafen and Mrs. Bosede Efeyeni

...also a very lively discussion for some and seriously doing justice to the food for most...over an array of sumptous meal...

...a display of 'fireworks' - the celebrant with the Bishop of Ilorin His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, Mrs. Bosede Efeyeni of PHCN a co-celebrant and His Grace Archbishop John Onaeyekan, the Archbishop of Abuja

...Sr. Mary Grace scooping dessert; Mrs. Uhomoibhi and Dr. Bassini

...a birthday toast...

Msgr. Jeane, Bose, Con-Gen Lamadrid, Amb. and Mrs. Schmillen, Dr. Martin Uhomoibhi, Engr. and Mrs. Otis Anyaeji

...round and round and round we go....Msgr. Kasujja in the dance chain, Dr. and Mrs. Odafen, Chief Mrs. Becky Igwe, Dr. Martin Ochaga - Chief of Mission International Organization for Migration, Mr. Mugisha M.J. Paul , Charge d Affaires High commission of Uganda

..the revellers...Mr. de Luca, Rev. Fr. Jooji Innocent of Holy Trinity Parish, Mrs. Enekebe, and Vicky of the Portuguese Embassy

Mr. de Luca of EU, Mrs. Christine Enekebe of Maitama Guest House, Sir David Osunde Holy Family Society founder, Dr. Bassani, Chief Mrs. Pauline Kadiri, Fr. Raymond and the staff of The Nunciature: Vitalis Ike, Emmanuel Hotepo, Samuel Alleluyah, Isiah Damina

Theresa Ikimi, Nkechi Anyaeji, Fr. Jooji, John and Christine, Dr. and Mrs. Uhomoibhi

...'twas Msgr. Jean-Sylvain who opened the dance floor...and here we are...gleefully dancing...

Mrs. Christine Enekebe, Mr. de Luca, Dr. Frank Odafen,  Chief Mrs. Becky Igwe, MCST Sisters Eflaida, Marylou, Vangie, Mary Grace, Maria Cecilia and Con-Gen Lamadrid

Mr. de Luca, Sr. MaryGrace and Cecilia, Msgr. Jean-Sylvain, Vangie of Dantata and Sawoe and Mrs. Theresa Ikimi

MCST Sisters Eflaida and Mary Grace with Cecilia; Sr. Eflaida with Con-Gen Lamadrid and Vangie

 

And soon the evening was danced away, merrily merrily merrily, Time to head home after a very enjoyable celebration.
Once more, a hearty cheers for H.E. Augustine Kasujja!!!

Nb: All fotos - courtesy of Architect Benjamin P. Nadado