By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The first anniversary Mass of the Episcopal ordination of the Local Ordinary of Ijebu Ode Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina took place in the chapel of the Bishop’s court in Ijebu Ode, on Saturday 25th April 2020. Due to the pandemic lockdown, it was a quiet but solemnly profound celebration with 2 priests in attendance, Frs. Augustine Adetola and Joseph Ogunnupebi. The Holy Mass started at 10:00am and it was streamed live on Facebook on The Partner Newspaper and people followed throughout the world.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ogunnupebi said
“A bishop is one who is entrusted with the pastoral care of a local region, called a “diocese” or “archdiocese.” which for you is Ijebu Ode. With a special position in the Church as a successor of the apostles and referred to as “shepherd” and this is the chief reason why you carry a crosier (shepherd’s crook) in our liturgical celebrations.” He further promised the Bishop by saying “In all these, you can be rest assured of prayers and love, with support and admiration. Never without challenges of immediate acceptance, lack of understanding and even failure of many to see your dreams.”

There was a brief moment for the Bishop to take some memorable pictures of the day.

In an earlier address published shortly before the Mass, the Bishop, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina thanked the Emeritus Bishop, the Priests, Consecrated persons and Laity who had supported him for the past one year as Bishop of the Diocese. He equally thanked the Ijebu Sons and Daughters and all the Benefactors of the Diocese from within and outside who have been so generous to the Diocese for the past 50 years of existence. Furthermore, he admonished Catholic Families to make good use of this COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen family bonds through prayer and daily reading of the sacred scriptures. In conclusion, the Bishop asked for prayers and continued support from everyone for the years ahead.

Long live Ijebu Ode Diocese. Long live Bishop Adesina!