BY FR. JAMES IGWE

On Monday, September 7, 2026, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina, embarked on another historic and significant venture in the history of the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode as he commenced his Canonical/Pastoral Visitation to all the healthcare facilities in the Diocese.

As stipulated by the law of the Church in Canon 396 §1, the Bishop began this memorable journey by visiting three (3) healthcare centres in the Holy Angels Pastoral Region, namely: Ave Maria Health Centre, Iwopin Waterside, Ogun State, where the Diocesan Marian Pilgrimage Centre is situated; Sr. Daniella Gottwald Primary Health Care Centre, Orita J4; and St. Albert the Great Hospital, Esure, Ijebu-Mushin.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, he extended his visitation to the St. Gabriel Pastoral Region, where he visited Chief Emmanuel Oluwemimo Sotiminu Catholic Medical Centre, Apele, Sagamu, and Rufina Catholic Medical Centre, Iperu.

He completed this exercise in Divine Mercy Pastoral Region on September 25, 2026 where he visited 4 other Hospitals which included: St. Mary’s Specialist Eye Hospital, Ago-Iwoye, St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, Ijebu-Igbo, Bishop Anthony Saliu Sanusi Medical Health Centre and St. Mary Catholic Eye Hospital (Annex), Bobagunte, Ijebu-Ode

Character of the Bishop’s Visit

Every pastoral visit of the Bishop is always unique and all-inclusive. This is because the Bishop does not limit his visitation to the Catholic faithful alone, but also reaches out to Christians from other denominations, Muslims, and Traditionalists. It affords him the opportunity to interact with them on issues concerning peaceful coexistence, fraternity, and societal development.

Likewise, his visit to the healthcare facilities witnessed the gathering of healthcare workers, Kabiyesis(Traditional rulers), Baales (Chiefs), and members of the communities where these hospitals are situated.

At each arrival, the Director of the Health Department, Very Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogunnupebi; Chaplains, the Deans of the Deaneries where the facilities are located; and some members of the Health Department were always available to welcome and receive the Bishop.

Upon entering Iwopin, Kabiyesi Sunday Agbojo, the Likan of Iwopin Kingdom, together with his council of chiefs, received the Bishop and accompanied him to the health facility, where they all participated in the interactive session. The Kabiyesi expressed his joy and appreciation to the Church for the selfless services that the people of Iwopin Kingdom have continued to benefit from and enjoy since the establishment of the health centre.

Other Traditional rulers who were present at the Bishop’s visit to their communities include: Oba (Alhaji) Abdul-Razaq Adesina Adegbenga Adenugba, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye and Oba Stephen Adeleke Adekoya, the Bejeroku of Oke-Agbo. Oba Lawrence Jayeoba Adebajo, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo was represented by delegation.

Prior to the Visit to Hospitals, the Bishop had embarked on and completed the Canonical/Pastoral Visitation to all the parishes and schools in the Diocese between 2020 and 2024. At every visit, he made his intention clear regarding the purpose and theme of his visitation, which is “to strengthen the faith of the faithful under his pastoral care and to identify with the situation of his people.” This is, in principle, in keeping with the recommendation of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, that “shepherds must smell like the sheep they pasture.”

Highlights of Event

The visitation featured two interactive sessions: an interaction with the general audience present and a private meeting with the staff and management of the hospitals. Other activities included the blessing of the facilities, the blessing of the staff and all those present, visits to patients on admission, and a tour of the hospitals.

The interactions provided opportunities to discuss the challenges facing the healthcare centres and their staff, as well as the experiences of members of the communities who are the direct beneficiaries of the services rendered.

In response to the matters presented to him, the Bishop encouraged the healthcare workers to see their services as a vocation and an invitation to participate in the healing ministry of Christ.

He noted that hospital ministry is an extension of the healing ministry handed on to the Church by Jesus Christ. Healthcare workers help to carry out this mission entrusted to the Church by bringing comfort and solace to frail humanity in need of God’s mercy and healing.

The all-inclusive character of the Church was highlighted, especially as most of the workers were non-Catholics from either other Christian denominations or Islam. The Church is open to everybody, irrespective of their faith. She does not discriminate. The Bishop described the Church as “a mother with the largest womb that accommodates all.” The Church embraces everyone, and, in the same vein, healthcare workers must be open to attending to everybody in need of medical care at any time.

He noted that the safety and well-being of staff and patients are very important to him. He assured those present that measures would be put in place to address the various challenges and concerns presented by both the management and the beneficiaries.

Without prejudice to the right to freedom of religion, Catholic hospitals must maintain their Catholic structure, spirituality, and ethos. Masses must be celebrated regularly in all Catholic facilities by their chaplains, and discipline must be upheld.

The Bishop acknowledged and appreciated the efforts and sacrifices of the management and staff in providing medical care to patients.

There were robust interactions between the Bishop and the various groups of people present. The healthcare workers expressed their joy and satisfaction at having the opportunity to interact physically with their Proprietor, especially considering the enormous responsibilities of the Bishop and his demanding pastoral schedule.

Conclusion

The Canonical/Pastoral Visitation which began on September 7, 2026 was concluded on September 25, 2026. It was hectic but fruitful encounter between the shepherd and his flock. The success of the visit is expressed in the testimonies of all those involved especially the healthcare workers who expressed their joy in appreciation for the opportunity to meet with and relate their experiences and situations with their proprietor.

May the fruits of this encounter facilitate growth and progress in all health care facilities in the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode