By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina inaugurated Our Lady Queen of Angels pastoral region on Saturday 18th January 2024 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Esure with the inaugural Mass which started around 10:00am. The Mass also features the ratification of the appointment of the Episcopal Vicar for the region; Very Rev. Fr. Martin-Rita Adeleke Ogunbanwo. It will be recalled that the creation of the region followed the earlier creation of 2 other regions which includes St. Gabriel pastoral region and Divine Mercy pastoral region.

The Priests, Religious (Male and Female) from different Parishes, institutions, convents and houses of formation were in attendance together with the Laity from all the parishes, Independent stations and outstations.

The Bishop noted in his homily the purpose of the gathering to the Faithful “We gather today in the most historic Church and the cradle of the spread of the Catholic Faith in Ijebu-Remo Lands, the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Esure, to celebrate a moment of great joy and anticipation as we inaugurate the 3rd Pastoral Region in our Diocese. This Pastoral Region is called: “Our Lady Queen of Angel Pastoral Region”. In many ways, it is a unique Pastoral Region and it covers the present jurisdictions of Esure and Ogbere Deanaries.”

Bishop Adesina in a three-point message emphasized that the primary mission of the pastoral region is to become instruments of Christ’s encounter, reaching out to all people, regardless of their background or affiliation. He stressed the importance of sharing Christ’s love, mercy, and healing with everyone in the region. The bishop also highlighted the challenge of hospitality in the Church, emphasizing the need to welcome sinners with open hearts, just as Jesus did. He reminded the congregation that the Church must always be a place of mercy, where sinners can find healing and transformation through God’s grace.

According to the Bishop, “The Jubilee is a year of grace, a time of mercy, a time for rebuilding what has been broken. In the Gospel of Mark 2:13-17 we see this spirit of renewal at work when Jesus reaches out to a tax collector, calling him into a new life. In the same way, the establishment of the Our Lady Queen of Angels Pastoral Region is an opportunity for all of us to renew our commitment to Christ and His mission.”

Concluding, the Bishop said Mary stood by Jesus throughout His life, especially at the foot of the cross. “She shows us that true discipleship often involves suffering, sacrifice, and humility. But it also brings deep joy and peace. Under the maternal care of Our Lady, may Our Lady Queen of Angels Pastoral Region be a place where we, too, learn to walk in the footsteps of Christ, bringing the joy of the Gospel to every home and every heart.”

The Faithful of Esure and Ogbere deaneries joined the new Episcopal Vicar of the region in thanksgiving to God for this unique celebration in the Diocese.

This was the third and final inauguration of the pastoral regions as outlined this week by the Bishop and a testament to the growth of the Diocese in many ways.