ST. MARY CATHOLIC EYE HOSPITAL CONSECRATES HER NEWLY BUILT CHAPEL
By Fr. Anthony Adetayo
29th April 2023 was a joyful day in the life the dwellers of Ago-Iwoye as one of the best Eye hospitals in Nigeria; St. Mary Catholic Eye Clinic, Ago-Iwoye, consecrates her chapel for Holy Mass and celebration of other Sacraments. The consecration which was done by the Proprietor, Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina together with Rev. Frs. Christopher Ogunnupebi (Director of Health), Frs. Anthony Abdulahi (HR Manager), Patrick Balogun (Administrator), Andison Anyanwu, James Oluka and few other Priests from outside the Diocese. All other staff members and invited guests filled the chapel as it was being used for the first time.
The homilist of the day, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Balogun reminds the people of the mission of Christ in the Church as light. According to him, “the light is Christ himself and He gives sight to the blind. He brought light into our souls by His resurrection and commissioned us to be light to the world (Mat 5:14). God commissions us through our works to make others work no longer in darkness but in light. As the Church; Clergy, Religious and Laity all have the mandate to become the light of the world. This is why the Church carries out this ministry of Eye Hospital to bring physical light in our body and our path.”
The Bishop in his remarks appreciates the originator of the idea of this chapel; Late Emeritus Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina and Pa John Yemitan Ajayi and Mama Justina Olayinka Ajayi. He thanks all those who have contributed to the donation of this chapel to the Eye Hospital and the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode. He concludes “What we celebrate today is God’s faithfulness and fidelity. I receive this gift on behalf of Late Bishop Albert Fasina and Baba John and Mama Justina Ajayi. This place is a house of prayer where we can seek God’s favour like Bartimaeus. When we have a Catholic apostolate anywhere, there must be a place of prayer. St. Mary Catholic Eye Hospital has become a complete Catholic institution.” He prays that as people celebrate in this chapel, they may be filled with the light of Christ.
