The Partner Newspaper

Priests and Male Religious of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode convened for their monthly recollection on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Awa Ijebu. The event, which began at 10:00 AM, was attended by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, and all diocesan priests.

The key reflection was delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Paul Callaghan, who stressed the essential role of priests as beacons of hope for the world, especially amidst life’s difficulties and in the ongoing “Year of Hope.”

He was ordained a priest on June 6, 1982, by Pope St. John Paul II in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. He is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei.

His academic career has been primarily focused on theology. He taught at the University of Navarre from 1985 to 1990 before joining the faculty of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome in 1990. At the university, he has held several key positions, including Academic Vice-Rector (1998-2000) and Dean of the School of Theology (2000-2008). He holds the title of Professor of Theological Anthropology.

In his address, Fr. Callaghan urged the clergy to foster the confidence of the faithful in the power of their prayers. He specifically focused on the Sacrament of Penance, highlighting the priest’s duty to assure penitents that no sin is insurmountable.

“When the people come for confession,” Fr. Callaghan stated, “the priest should assure them of hope in God by making them realize that no sin is beyond triumph, thereby making the penitent hopeful that he or she can overcome the sin.”

He acknowledged the common temptation for individuals to believe they will repeatedly fall into the same sin but emphasized the priest’s responsibility to counter this despair. He encouraged priests to guide the faithful to trust in the Sacrament of Penance and the grace it provides, and to offer their struggles to Jesus, who is capable of helping them overcome.

Following the reflection, Bishop Adesina extended his gratitude to Fr. Callaghan for his inspiring message. The Bishop also acknowledged and appreciated Fr. Anthony Odoh for his contributions to the diocese.  He encouraged every priest to make the sacrament a truly transformative experience for the faithful, moving it beyond a mere ritual to a moment of genuine healing and renewed hope.