By REV. FR. LEO OLUWASEYI AWOJINRIN

t really seemed like the Covid-19 break of about 6months was a time of prayerful reflection and extensive consultation by the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina.
Less than a month ago, he announced his Consultors and those who will support him in the discharge of his duties as the Bishop of the Diocese.

Today, 28th August, 2020, Bishop Adesina, standing in his Cathedral and holding his crozier, announced his Episcopal Vicars who will assist him in the discharge of his Executive office as Bishop. This appointment came on a day that was set apart for the celebration of the Chrism mass 2020. In fact, it was the first official gathering of the entire Diocese since the re-opening of our places of worship in Ogun State.

In his homily, the Bishop thanked all the Priests working in the Diocese for the great work that they carry out in their various places of Apostolate for God and His Church. He said he was very proud of each and everyone of his Priests. He also prayed and hoped that the people of God will be proud of them too. He encouraged the people to continue to pray for and support their Priests. During the Chrism mass, the Priests renewed their vows which they made on the day of their ordination.

Once all the oils of Chrism, the sick and Catechumens were blessed and consecrated, the Bishop went on to announce his Episcopal Vicars as follows:

1. Very Rev. Fr. Martin-Rita Ogunbanwo as the Vicar for the Clergy
2. Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Balogun as the Vicar for Pastoral Affairs
3. Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo as the Vicar for Judicial Matters
4. Very Rev. Fr. Uche Okocha as the Vicar for land and property
5. Very Rev. Fr. Tunde Alabi, CSSp as the Vicar for Religious
6. Very Rev. Fr. Albert Igbodipe as the Diocesan Chancellor.
   

Each of them would function at their different capacities for a period of three years. It must be noted that the announcement went down well with a lot of the Priests of the Diocese as they were all consulted by the Bishop using a diocesan mechanism before the appointments were made.

We congratulate the Bishop on this bold step he has taken again. We wish the Vicars all the best in their different places of assignment. We pray for the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode that she will continue to grow and prosper.