IJEBU ODE DIOCESAN PASTORAL SEMINAR WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

By Dominic

By Fr. Anthony Adetayo
As announced by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina in his November circular, the Priests and Religious of Ijebu-Ode Diocese gathered on Monday 29th November 2021 at Louis Boutain Retreat Center, Itele Ijebu for the annual Diocesan Pastoral seminar which came to an end on Friday 3rd December 2021.
On the arrival day, Priests and Religious as early as 10:00am started coming into the venue for the program which will last for a week and that will also include a session for the laity.

Day 1
The Priests and Religious gathered for both their registration and the meeting for the council of Priests. This was followed in the evening by the enthronement of the Bible and the conclusive blessings of the Bishop
The Vicar for Pastoral Affairs, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick ‘Kunle Balogun welcomed all the Priests and Religious to the program and proceeded with the evaluation of the Pastoral Department. The day ended with the presentation of Sagamu Deanery pastoral plans and Evening Prayer.

DAY 2
This day continued with presentations from parishes in Esure Deanery, Iperu and Iloti Deaneries accompanied with spiritual exercises and Holy Mass.

DAY 3
On this day, Ogbere Deanery had their pastoral plan presentation. However, the seminar paper was delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Osegboun of Ekiti Diocese on the theme: Ijebu Ode Diocese, a gift and a mission to fulfill. The seminar had in attendance all the Priests and representatives of Laity and Religious from all parishes in Ijebu Ode Diocese which continued with group discussions by all present.

DAY 4
On this day, the Pastoral department had their presentation together with the organizations and sodalities in the Diocese including; CWO, HCA, CYON, Laity Council, Charismatic Renewal, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Vincent De Paul, Knight of St. Mulumba. Ijebu Igbo Deanery presented their Pastoral plan too while the priests had light refreshment in the evening.

DAY5
This was the departure day as the priests gave their pastoral Resolutions based on the discussions they had and discoveries made. The Bishop finally addressed the Priests on Pastoral matters of serious concern to the Diocese, way forward and appreciation. It was indeed a huge success.