By Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Feast for the Consecrated Life is usually celebrated all over the world on 2nd February which emanates from the Feast of the presentation of Jesus Christ in the temple by the parents. The celebration was established by Pope John Paul II on 6^th January 1997 to celebrate those who have chosen to witness to Christ by the evangelical counsels. This year 2023, the Consecrated Persons working in Ijebu-Ode Diocese gathered at St. Michael Catholic Church, Ago-Iwoye beginning with the Holy Mass around 10:15am.

The Bishop of the Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina was the chief celebrant at this Mass who was flanked by the Vicar for Clergy; Very Rev. Fr. Michael Adebanjo and the Vicar for Religious; Very Rev. Fr. Tunde Alabi Lawrence CSSp. Over a hundred Priests concelebrated as well with a enviable presence of hundreds of Religious and Lay Faithful.

In his homily, the Bishop said Simeon takes the child Jesus in His hands while Anna venerates Him in her heart. The Bishop went ahead to ask, “What do you take in your hands? A dagger or a stick?. If we must make Jesus known in this world, we must use the unique spiritual gestures of Simeon and Anna. I see a vision of God placing the mission of His only begotten Son in our hands. This is huge, exciting and humbling. God is so generous that he gives into our vulnerable hand these mysterious responsibilities. To embrace Jesus in our hand and heart is the very essence of the Consecrated Life. If not, our practice becomes a mere mockery or Nollywood movie”

Explaining why Consecrated Person must always radiate joy, the Bishop elucidated that “If consecrated Men and women lack joy, enthusiasm and love, it’s not the fault of someone else or something else, it is because their hands no longer embrace Jesus, they embrace vacuums. May our Apostolates be filled with grace of amazement.”

Showing a gesture of their consecration during the prayers of the faithful, the Consecrated Persons presented incense, empty hands, honey, the Bible, a clock, and a world globe. At the conclusion of the prayers of the faithful, the Consecrated Persons renew their consecration commitment before the Bishop.

After the Mass, there was an interactive session among Priests and Religious and Laity. It was a memorable experience as the Church will draw benefit from this and so will the new evangelization.