By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

Instead of focusing on life as it will be without your loved one, memorializing the deceased helps to maintain their memory in a place of gratitude for their presence in your life, rather than sadness that they are no longer here in the physical form. This was the inspiration behind the memorial activities for Late Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina. It was a week-long ceremony.

The opening Mass declaring the memorial activities open took place on 19^th June 2022 at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Ijebu-Ode. There were Masses and Divine Mercy prayers every day at the place of repose for 9 days. On June 20, Ijebu-Igbo Deanery represented the entire Diocese in visiting the Leprosarium in Ijebu-Igbo with gift items. On 21 June was the opening of the home of Destitute at JDPC compound where the Bishop blessed the building he laid its foundation earlier in the year. On 22 June, Ijebu-Ode Deanery represents the entire Diocese in visiting Anthonietta Orphanage at the Passionist Community, Idomila. On June 23, there was a visitation by Esure Deanery to Home Matthew 25 of the Pro Labore Dei, Ijebu-Ife, with gifts and food items. The 24^th of June records the opportunity to free medical treatment in all medical facilities of the Diocese. On June 25, there was an interaction of Male and Female Religious together with the Bishop at St. Patrick’s formation house, Ijebu-Imushin. On June 28, there was a Catechetical quiz competition among all Catholic Secondary Schools domicile in the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode where St. Anthony’s Grammar School Private emerged as the best school in this inaugural memorial quiz activity.

The grand finale took place on 29^th June 2022 being exactly one year ago that the Bishop died. The Mass was celebrated by the Metropolitan of Lagos Province, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins together with the host Bishop, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina. There were arrays of priests from within and outside the Diocese as some priests represented their Bishop. The Mass started by 10:00 A.M at the Cathedral. The Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo and Magunshe of Itamarun were there at the Mass.

At the completion of the Holy Mass, there was a display of Bishop Fasina’s memorabilia including all his personal belongings that will be kept in archive for reference purposes. This was followed by the reception in the Cathedral hall. At the hall there was launching for the Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina’s home for Destitute foundation.

It was indeed memorable one-week activities deserving of the caliber of the person of Bishop Albert Fasina. May the soul of Bishop Albert Fasina through the mercy of God rest in peace Amen.