By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The spirit of Christmas was ushered in with sonorous joy and spiritual reflection as the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode successfully hosted its Bi-annual Diocesan Christmas Carol on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The event, which commenced around 9:00 AM, was held at the magnificent St. Anthony Catholic Church, Ejinrin Road, Ijebu-Ode.

Priests, Religious, and the Laity gathered in large numbers to participate in the cherished tradition. The program was a rich blend of sacred readings, compelling dramas, and a profound reflection delivered by Fr. Emmanuel Nwafor.

The musical aspect of the carol was a particular highlight. The Diocesan Choir and several other invited choirs delivered “sonorous presentations” that filled the church with festive and prayerful music.

The pinnacle of the celebration was the heartwarming message delivered by the Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina. The Bishop took the opportunity to express his deep appreciation for the performers and everyone who contributed to the day’s success.

“Since I came here, every rendition has been inspiring, meaningful and spiritual,” Bishop Adesina remarked, acknowledging the high quality of the presentations.

In a significant announcement, the Bishop revealed the venue for the next Bi-annual Carol, stating, “The next carol shall by God’s grace be at the Diocesan Cathedral.”

However, Bishop Adesina also issued a challenge to the event organizers, specifically charging the Chaplain, Fr. Michael Elogie, and the entire choir, with ensuring a “better outing next time.”

He demanded that the next event be bigger and that the organizers must “think outside the box” to achieve this. The Bishop’s vision includes:

• Involving the entire Diocese.
• Bringing more profound media coverage.

The joyous occasion concluded with the Bishop offering a final prayer for the attendees’ safe journey back home. The Bishop’s directive sets the stage for the 2027 Christmas Carol to be a landmark event for the Ijebu-Ode Diocese, focusing on expanded participation and enhanced media presence.