By Rev. Fr. Anthony Adetayo

On Thursday, June 27, 2024, the Ijebu-Ode Catholic Diocese joyously started a triple anniversary celebration with a Gala night. The occasion marked the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese, the 5th anniversary of Bishop Francis Adesina’s episcopacy, and also celebrated his 60th birthday. With the atmosphere filled with excitement and gratitude, the people of God gathered in thousands to commemorate these significant milestones.
The following day, Friday, June 28, 2024 at 10:00am, a solemn Holy Mass was held at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Ijebu-Ode, to give thanks for the blessings received over the years. The Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins graced the occasion with his presence. Adding to the sense of reverence of the celebration also was the presence of Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job; Emeritus Archbishop of Ibadan, Bishop Jude Arogundade of Ondo Diocese, Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of Oyo Diocese, Bishop Anselm Lawani of Ilorin Diocese, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta Diocese, representatives of other Bishops, Deputy Secretary General of CSN; Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Rectors of Major Seminaries and hundreds of Priests and Religious. Bishop Anthony Ewerido of Warri Diocese delivered a powerful homily, inspiring all those in attendance with his words of wisdom and guidance. In his homily he said “We are celebrating the hardwork of our forebears and now all hands must be on deck for the purpose growing the Diocese. Seating on the fence is not acceptable”. He added that the Laity should own the church and work to build` it because Priests, Religious and Bishop must go after a while but the Laity remains. He said they only need to support the priests and your Bishop. Advising the Bishop celebrant he said “I want to encourage the Bishop to continue to follow the Master Jesus Christ. Remember you are no longer in your 40s or 50s. Be kinder to yourself so that you use more wisdom to pilot the affairs of God’s people.”

Overall, the triple anniversary celebration was concluded with a grand reception after the Mass which is a testament to the faith and unity of the Ijebu-Ode Catholic Diocese. It was a time of reflection on the past, gratitude for the present, and hope for the future. The bonds of community and faith were strengthened as the people came together to honour their history and leadership.