The Partner Newspaper

Three Priests from the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode; Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo, Rev. Fr. Michael Elogie, and Rev. Fr. James Igwe have returned to Nigeria on Monday, June 30th, 2025, after participating in a deeply spiritual and historic “Jubilee Year of Hope for Priests” pilgrimage in Rome. Their week-long journey, from June 24th to June 30th, was fully sponsored by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, and saw them represent the three pastoral regions of Ijebu-Ode.

It is good to note that Fr. Victor Achiegbu Cssp who works as a missionary in Ijebu-Ode Diocese also went for the pilgrimage.

The priests joined a larger Nigerian contingent of 30 clergy, organized by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and led by Rev. Fr. Nicholas Djeba. The pilgrimage offered an unparalleled immersion into the heart of Catholic tradition and history, designed to renew their spiritual vigor and commitment to their sacred calling.

Their itinerary included a visit to the sanctuary and tomb of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, a deeply spiritual experience. They then explored St. Paul’s Basilica Outside the Walls and the Catacomb of Domitilla, reflecting on the faith of early Christian martyrs. In the Vatican, they venerated the tombs of St. Peter the Apostle and St. John Paul II at St. Peter’s Basilica, and visited St. John Lateran Basilica and the Scala Sancta.

A highlight was their concelebration of Holy Mass with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on Friday, June 27th, a central event of the Jubilee that also saw the priestly ordination of 32 deacons from around the world. Beyond Rome, the priests journeyed to the sanctuary of St. Francis of Assisi, visiting the remains of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young millennial whose canonization is anticipated in September 2025. They also visited the sanctuary of St. Anthony of Padua in Padua.

Adding to the significance of their journey, the priests also had the honor of visiting His Eminence, Cardinal Francis Arinze, who offered them words of encouragement and advised them to “keep up the good work in Ijebu-Ode Diocese.”

Upon reflection after their arrival back in Nigeria, the priests shared their profound personal takeaways:

Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo stated, “I confirmed that my foundation in this Catholic faith is so solidly laid on the Apostles, and the renewal of my zeal to be available for God’s people in the sacraments is my biggest hit.”

Rev. Fr. Michael Elogie remarked, “My pilgrimage to Rome was extremely inspiring; my love and commitment to the sacred priesthood is once again renewed, and my faith further strengthened. I came back renewed.”

Rev. Fr. James Igwe shared, “The Pilgrimage was a spiritual journey and sacred encounter with the foundation of the Church. It offered an opportunity to behold and connect with the faith of our fathers, to encounter the life of the saints and to share in their life experiences. It inspired a deeper faith in the Holy Mother Church built upon the sacrifices of the Apostles and Holy Men and Women of old. With their stories, my Hope in God and the Church is strengthened, assured, and renewed.”

Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, met with the returning priests, emphasizing that their profound experiences should be fully utilized for their spiritual upliftment and for the overall growth of the Diocese.

The Diocese of Ijebu-Ode rejoices at the safe return of its priests and looks forward to the spiritual fruits of their pilgrimage, trusting that their renewed zeal and the prayers offered will significantly enrich the spiritual life and evangelization efforts across all three pastoral regions.