By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

History was again made on the 19th of February 2021 as the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode laid the foundation of the Diocesan chancery complex. The foundation laying activity began with the Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop at the JDPC complex Hall at exactly 9:00 a.m. the homilist at this Mass, Very Rev. Fr Uche Alphonsus Okocha said “this laying of foundation is a new dawn for the Catholic Diocese of ijebu-ode because it is symbolic as all of us laity religious and priests need to journey with the Bishop in this direction of new dawn.

Shortly after the Holy Mass, there was a slideshow presentation by the Bishop’s secretary, Rev. Fr. Augustine Adetola which showed the audience the different stages of the construction of the foundation of the chancery complex.

The people gathered afterward at the site of the new construction where the foundation laying ceremony took place. In his remarks the Bishop said “I lay this foundation today to the glory of God. This new construction is a symbol of the labour of others who have come before us and have gone before us, those who are still with us today. This chancery is an administrative innovation to make our Diocese to grow. It is for the priests, for the religious and for the laity and not just for the Bishop. It is a symbolism of new life of Joy and Grace.”

After the prayers of the faithful, the Bishop laid the first foundation stone of the chancery to the glory of God and the evangelization of people. Others who joined in laying of the foundation stones are the Emeritus Vicar General, Very Rev. Monsignor Gabriel Ayankoya, Very Rev. Monsignor Victor Ajayi, Very Rev. Fr John Patrick Ngoyi JDPC Director, Sr. Constance Dibie SSL, other selected heads of Association of the Diocese amounting to eight points for the foundation.

The Chancellor Very Rev. Fr Albert Igbodipe on behalf of the
Bishop appreciated all those who have supported in kind and in cash towards the building of the new chancery. He appreciated all those who have worked hard even to make this day of foundation laying ceremony successful including the Bishop ‘s Secretary and all those who worked with him to package this event. It was indeed a memorable day as viewers all over the world were able to watch the event live on the partner newspaper page on Facebook.