By Fr. Anthony Thomas and Emma Marie Ajayi

Diocesan Altar Servers association recently held her first-ever convention from July 30 to August 2, 2025. The event, held at St. Anthony Grammar School (Private), gathered young altar servers under the theme: “BE THE LIGHT: INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF ALTAR SERVER.”

The convention began with a  Rosary procession, a period of prayer and reflection that set a spiritual tone for the days to follow. This was succeeded by a Benediction led by the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Anthony Thomas.

A Call to Service

The opening Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Daniel Oluwatobi Ogunsanya, representing the Bishop. In his homily, he stressed the significance of the altar server’s role, highlighting that it is a direct call to service. He implored the young servers to understand their duties and to embody three key virtues:

1. Discipline: To show commitment and focus.
2. Decorum: To maintain proper conduct and reverence.
3. Piety: To have a deep sense of respect and devotion.

The Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Anthony Thomas, extended his gratitude to the Bishop for his unwavering support and fatherly care for the association. He also acknowledged the presence of Reverend Father John Ashinwo at the opening Mass.

Awards and Recognition

The convention was packed with enriching activities, including insightful talks delivered by diocesan seminarians, John Ekechi, John Ogunade, and Augustine Taiwo. Participants also engaged in liturgical and quiz competitions, with daily Masses reinforcing the spiritual core of the event.

A major highlight was the recognition of the “BEST ALTAR SERVER” from each deanery, awarded by the Serra International Club of Ijebu-Ode. The following individuals were honored for their dedicated service:

• Ijebu-Ode Deanery: Daniel James (Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Oke Owa)
• Iloti Deanery: Ajayi B Emma Maria (Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Ikoto)
• Esure Deanery: Esther Itumoh (St. Louis Catholic Church, Ijebu-Ife)
• Iperu Deanery: Adebanjo Peter (St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Iperu)
• Sagamu Deanery: Agbo Friday (Holy Family Catholic Church, GRA Sagamu)
• Ogijo Deanery: Desmond Ojimma (St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Magbo)
• Ijebu-Igbo Deanery: Adebanjo Michael (St. Peter Catholic Church, Oke spoen)

The closing Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okusanya, the Chaplain of St. Anthony Grammar School, alongside Reverend Father Anthony Thomas. The Serra Club International of Ijebu-Ode also presented gifts to the award recipients and competition winners.

In his closing remarks, Rev. Fr. Anthony Thomas expressed his deep appreciation to the altar servers for their selfless service, the Serra Club for their generous awards, and the entire management of St. Anthony Catholic Grammar School for providing the venue for this landmark event.