“I CAN ONLY SAY THANK YOU LORD…” BISHOP ADESINA AT HIS 4TH EPISCOPAL ANNIVERSARY
By Fr. Anthony Adetayo
The 4th Episcopal ordination anniversary of the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina took place on 25th April 2023 at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Odo-Egbo, Ijebu-Ode. The program started with a lecture in the Cathedral hall around 10:00am delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Paul Ijasan of Lagos Archdiocese to the priests of Ijebu-Ode Diocese themed, “Confessional Secrecy and confidentiality in the church.” Another lecture was titled “Guidelines on the Pastoral administration of Independent Stations”, delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Albert Igbodipe.
After the interventions, questions and answer session, the Bishop and all the Priests of the Diocese and some who came from outside the Diocese proceeded into the celebration of the Anniversary Mass around 1:00pm. Many members of the Laity were in attendance.
The Bishop in his remarks before the end of the Mass noted that he is a product of grace and he is not taking this grace of God for granted. According to him “Looking forward I can only say it’s God’s grace and favour that’s at work in each of us. It was God’s favour that located me 4 years ago in the classroom in Ibadan. My brother Priests, Deacons, Consecrated Men and Women, Laity, you are the testimony of God in my life. Your love for Jesus, your positive and negative criticisms are all I have enjoyed that kept me going.”
The Bishop further explains, “I come to realize that the word grace and favour are used interchangeably. As I celebrate God’s favour and grace in my life, I also celebrate it in your life. I can only say thank you Lord. Whenever we welcome God’s grace, only God is honoured and glorified. The Bishop makes an appeal to summarize his appreciation saying “I beg you today to help me in your prayers so I can be focused on the mission of Christ and leave the glory for Him.”
The Mass ended around 3:10pm while the reception took place immediately after the Mass in the Cathedral hall. Priests and Religious together with the Laity present were entertained with food, music and the Bishop showed some dancing steps after cutting of his cake.
