By: Fr. Augustine Akolawole Adetola

As part of the ongoing Canonical Pastoral Visitation of the Bishop to Parishes, Institutions and Hospitals in the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, the Bishop, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, visited some of the Diocesan owned Hospitals in October.

The first of the four hospitals visited was St. Mary Catholic Eye Hospital, Ago-Iwoye on October 2nd, 2020; St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, Ijebu-Igbo, which is the oldest of the Hospitals in the Diocese was visited on October 6, 2020; Rufina Catholic Medical Center, Iperu-Remo was visited on the 7th of October, 2020 while Catholic Opticals Outreaches and the Center for Life was visited on 8th October, 2020.

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Since it was a Canonical Pastoral Visitation of the Bishop to these Hospitals, the event started with the Holy Mass celebrated by the Bishop. Also present at the Masses were the Chaplains of the various Hospitals and the Finance Administrator of the Diocese, Sir Augustine Odukoya, who also doubles as the person in charge of the finances of the Hospitals.

After the meeting, the Bishop had 3 different sessions with the workers of the hospitals. Firstly, there was a private session with the management team of the hospitals. Secondly, another session was held with the staff who are not members of the management team. The third was the joint session of all workers, both management and staff of the hospitals.

In the various meetings held, the Bishop informed the workers the purpose of the Visitation which was to listen to the yearnings of the staff and management of the hospitals. He said, “I have come that I may listen to you.” It was indeed a wonderful time as both the management and staff were able to share their joys, problems, aspirations and future plans with the Bishop regarding the hospitals. The Bishop encouraged everyone to continue to give their best and never relent. He promised to look into some issues that are of major concern with regards to staff welfare and others. Above all, he prayed for them and wished them well.

It was indeed a great time with the Bishop as both the management and staff were filled with joy that they had the opportunity of talking to the Bishop and Proprietor of the Hospitals.