“I DIDN’T CHOOSE ST. ANTHONY BECAUSE OF THE BREAD…” BISHOP ADESINA ENCOURAGES NEWLY CONFIRMED TO IMITATE THEIR PATRON SAINTS OR BE ONE
By Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo
At the conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation that took place at Louisville Girls high School, Itele on 1st April 2023, the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina charges the students to love their saintly devotion.
According to the Bishop, “I was a member of St. Anthony’s Guild and I chose the name Anthony at Confirmation. I didn’t choose it because of St. Anthony’s bread but because I love special devotion to him.” The Bishop cited an example of what happened to him few weeks ago. He narrated how his Lay friend called him that he misplaced his passport. The Bishop said he recommended St. Anthony’s prayer to him since he is the patron for recovery of lost items. The miracle took place early morning of the following day. The Bishop therefore encourages the confirmandi to value their newly chosen name and that a change in their name means a change in their identity just like Abram, Jacob, Simon, Saul all changed their name in view of their mission. He says, “Make effort to imitate your patron saints or be one yourself. The Holy Spirit charges you with new identity and new mission. Cherish your Catholic formation and always pray and respond actively at Holy Mass every time.“
