By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode successfully hosted a four-day pastoral seminar from November 26 to 29, 2024, at the Louis Bautain Retreat Center in Ijebu Itele. The seminar, themed “Diocesan Policy on Marriage and Pastoral Care for Families: Implementation and Strategies,” was attended by priests, laity, and religious from the entire 8 deaneries of the Diocese.

The seminar commenced on Tuesday with an exclusive session for Priests, led by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina. On Wednesday, the Laity and Religious joined the priests for an open session, which featured insightful lectures by Rev. Fr. David-Mary Odunsi and Mrs. Mary Ekundayo.

The lectures were followed by interactive group discussions and feedback sharing, allowing participants to engage deeply with the topic and share their experiences. Bishop Adesina thanked the participants for their active engagement and charged them to read the policy again and begin the implementation process in their respective parishes and communities.

Following the open session, the participants proceeded to witness the second public viewing of the emerging Diocesan museum, with transportation provided by the Diocese. The museum, located in JDPC, showcases the rich history and heritage of the Diocese.

The priests continued the pastoral seminar, which concluded on Friday with a comprehensive list of vital resolutions. Other critical topics discussed during the seminar included neo-evangelization, sacramental life of the church, ecumenism, self-sustenance projects, and more.

Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in prayers, Holy Mass, and spiritual deliberation, fostering a deeper sense of community and spiritual growth. The seminar was widely regarded as a resounding success, furthering the realization of the Diocese’s decade-long Pastoral plan.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Adesina expressed his gratitude to the participants, speakers, and organizers for their contributions to the seminar’s success. He emphasized the importance of implementing the Diocesan policy on marriage and pastoral care for families, urging all participants to take an active role in promoting the policy in their respective parishes and communities.