By Fr. Henry Obiagbalasi

Agents of evangelisation from across the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province converged at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Ayegbami, Sagamu, on Friday, September 26, 2025, for a day of spiritual renewal dubbed the “Jubilee of Hope.”

The pilgrimage brought together a diverse group committed to disseminating the gospel, including catechists, lay leaders, teachers of faith, priests, religious, and members of the lay apostolate. The spiritual exercise, hosted by Ijebu-Ode Diocese, featured the Sacrament of Confession, the Rosary, and the Holy Mass.

Though the Bishops of the Province; Most Rev. Alfred-Martin Adewale, Most Rev. Odetoyinbo, and Most Rev. Francis Adesina were physically absent due to what was described as “urgent and unavoidable commitments,” they were represented by the Regional Pastoral Vicar of Divine Mercy Region, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Kunle Balogun.

Fr. Balogun extended the Bishops’ apologies and warmly welcomed the directors and delegates from the three participating dioceses: Lagos, Ijebu-Ode, and Abeokuta. He also conveyed a message of profound gratitude to the catechists.

“The Bishops acknowledge with gratitude your commitment and zeal for the growth and expansion of the Church where you work,” Fr. Balogun stated, emphasising that this dedication has directly led to the expansion of the Church being experienced throughout the province.

The homily, delivered by Rev. Fr. John Aruleba, focused on the vital distinction between faith and Christian hope.

Fr. Aruleba explained, “Whereas faith is the believe that God can do something for us, hope is the trust in God that he will surely do it.” He encouraged the pilgrims to cling to hope, assuring them that “hope does not disappoints,” even amidst uncertainty, weariness, or poverty. Fr. Aruleba drew scriptural parallels, noting how the hope of key figures fundamentally shifted the culture of Israel. The gathering mirrors a similar pilgrimage held in Sagamu in 2013 for the Year of Faith, with Fr. Aruleba suggesting that the province might next gather for the “Year of Love” to complete the three theological virtues.

A significant element of the day’s activities was the formal presentation of the newly compiled syllabi for the catechumenate years. Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Ogunnupebi, speaking on behalf of the Directors of Religious Education in the province, presented the new curriculum, which covers both regular classes and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The syllabi was formally received by Fr. Balogun.