By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina directed that the Pastoral Department organizes an orientation program following the arrival of newly posted priests into the Diocese from different Congregations and other Dioceses. They include the Vocationists, MSP, Diocesan Priests from Ondo, Nsukka and Issele-Ukwu Dioceses.Those who are also newly appointed as new parish Priests attended.

The program, though traditional to the Diocese was at this time coordinated by Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Balogun and commenced on Monday 4th October 2021 at Louisville Girl’s College Hall, Itele-Ijebu.

Various resource persons were on ground to direct the exposition of various parts of the Diocese ranging from pastoral, catechetical, canonical, financial and other policies of the Diocese.

In terms of advantages, the program provides the new priests with concise and accurate information about the Diocese in order to ensure comfortability in their new appointments.
It also boosts their confidence and helps them to adapt faster to the Diocese since they may be coming from different background outside Ijebu-Ode Diocese.
One of the new parish Priests Fr. James Oluka said “The program will contribute to a more effective, productive workforce and promotes communication between the Priests and all departments, parishes, deaneries, institutions, commissions, organizations, societies and chaplaincies in the Diocese.”

Ultimately the program is to key the Priests into the Pastoral plan of the Diocese which is the governing propensity for everyone in the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode.

The program which was concluded on Friday 8th October 2021 was described as highly successful by facilitators and even the Priests attendee.

Below are some of their comments.