As he pays courtesy visit to Holy Ghost Model College and Pro Labore Dei – Home 25

By: Fr. Augustine Adetola

February 9, 2020 will be a day to remember among the Parishioners of St. Louis Catholic Church, Ijebu-Ife as His Lordship, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina paid a courtesy visit to the Parish. This was part of his ongoing Canonical Pastoral Visit across the Diocese. The Parishioners were on ground at the Ijebu-Ife junction to welcome the Bishop to their Parish for the first time since his Ordination.

At the Church premises, the Dean of Esure Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Adesanya welcomed the Bishop to Ensure Deanery while Fr. Patrick Nnamani, MSP, the Parish Priest of St. Louis Parish welcomed the Bishop to the Parish. The Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Adesesan Oguntayo was also present to welcome the Bishop to the town. The church was filled as children with the town and outside the town came in numbers to welcome the Bishop to their Parish.

In his homily, the Bishop expressed great joy at the opportunity of coming to Ijebu-Ife and celebrating the Holy Mass with the Parishioners. The encouraged them saying that he has come to strengthen their faith. Using the readings of the day, he admonished the faithful to become the light that shines in darkness. He said that there are so much darkness in our country today, and the only way we can overcome this darkness is to let our light shine by living out our Christian mandate in the world. Finally, he said that if as Christians we do not attract or invite, we have failed in our duties as Christians.

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In thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to witness the first among many visits of the Bishop to the Parish, the Parishioners and their Parish Priest danced to the altar in joy and happiness. Also, the Oba who was in attendance spoke for some few minutes thanking the Bishop for coming and he prayed that his time as Bishop will be a successful one in the diocese.

After the mass, there was a meeting of the laity with the Bishop which went well and the people shared so many achievements and challenges with the Bishop. The Bishop addressed many of the issues presented and promised to do his best in addressing their challenges. Oba Oguntayo, the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife was present both at the Mass and at the meeting with the Bishop.

The next day being Monday, February 10, 2020, the Bishop paid a courtesy visit to Holy Ghost Model College, Imuwen and Pro-Labore Dei, Home 25, Ijebu-Ife. This visits were aimed at getting to know the length and breadth of the Diocese and to know where each School, Convent and Parishes are located within the diocese.

IJEBU-IFE WELCOMES BISHOP ADESINAThe school community of Holy Ghost Model College and the Sisters in charge of Home 25 were all happy to see him. Sr. Stella-Maris, the convener of Pro-Labore Dei worldwide was on ground to welcome the Bishop to Home 25 in Ijebu-Ife. She showed the Bishop round the facility and the destitutes.