By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, July 19, 2025, successfully hosted a profound deanery-level Eucharistic Congress for the Jubilee Year of Hope, bringing together faithful from all eight deaneries for a day of intense prayer, reflection, and adoration. The simultaneous events, held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in their respective deanery centers, aimed to deepen understanding and devotion to the Holy Eucharist.

The congress unfolded with a meticulously planned program designed to facilitate a rich spiritual experience for all participants. Each deanery commenced with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, setting a solemn tone for the day. This was followed by fervent recitations of the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus and the Litany of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, invoking the sacred names of Christ.

A period of introspection and reconciliation was observed with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary and opportunities for Individual Confessions, allowing attendees to seek spiritual renewal. The Litany to the Divine Mercy was then prayed, appealing for God’s boundless compassion.

A significant portion of the program was dedicated to quiet contemplation, with Silent Private Prayers/Meditation Before the Blessed Sacrament, offering personal encounters with the Real Presence of Christ. This was followed by a Short Solemn Eucharistic Procession within the Church Premises, reverently accompanied by Eucharistic Hymns and Solemn Songs of Worship, creating a powerful visual and auditory expression of faith. The spiritual journey continued with the Litany of the Blessed Sacrament and Intercessory Prayers to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, where intentions were offered for various needs. The Jubilee Prayer was also recited.

There was also a talk on the Holy Eucharist and its devotion with particular attention to three different official Eucharistic miracles and its profound significance in the life of the Church.

The day’s spiritual nourishment was completed with the celebration of the Holy Mass. “The deanery-level Eucharistic Congress provided a vital opportunity for our faithful to come together, deepen their faith, and renew their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament,” said a representative from the Esure Deanery.

The enthusiastic participation across all eight deaneries is a testament to the vibrant spiritual life within the Diocese and the profound hunger for Christ in the Eucharist especially in the Year of Hope.