By Veronica Idowu

It was an aura of great joy as the students and staff of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School (Private) Ijebu Ode, with priests and religious welcomed the Bishop, Most Rev Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina to the school.
The graduation mass which commenced around 9:00an was celebrated by Most Rev Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina, assisted by the Director of Education, Rev Fr Emmanuel Matuluko; the school Chaplain, Rev Fr John Igwe; Frs Peter Onabamiro, Hector Osifeko, Peter Owolabi, Alfred Nworie, Jude Okafor and Charles Soyege. Present at the mass also, were the Our Lady of the Apostles sisters who have been a great support to the school from cradle.

The Bishop in his homily, appreciated those who have worked for the success attained by the school. He thanked God for the parents who believed so much in the quality education the Catholic institution offers and entrusting the young girls in the hands of the church.
However, he said that the readings gave us reasons to give testimony to the great gifts of God. He therefore charged the graduands to always put the school in their heart as he admonished saying, “Do not forget your Alma Mater. Do not forget the fingers that fed you”.
In the reading also, he narrated the story of the ten lepers who met Jesus. “Jesus knew their challenges and healed them when they called on him. Jesus said, ‘go and show yourself to the priest’. On their way, they found out that they were healed. Only the Samaritan among them came back to Jesus to give thanks.” The Bishop therefore, admonished everyone to have a great heart of gratitude to God. ‘Let us remain grateful to God, for the many love we receive.’

In all, he prayed and thanked God for the lives of the students and everyone present at the celebration.
In gratitude to God for his love and mercy, the graduands with their parents, friends and well wishers danced to God in thanksgiving.
The Principal of the school, Mrs. Ajayi in her closing Remark expressed great gratitude to the Bishop for his presence at the celebration. She thanked the Director of Education and all the priests present for their support. In a special way, she thanked the parents for their cooperation and support given to the school and to their children. She urged the girls to hold unto the training and teachings they have gotten from the school.
The school Chaplain, Rev Fr John Igwe also thanked the Bishop, priests and everyone present at the graduation mass.

Congratulations to the fourty three Archetypals!