By Veronica Idowu

The Valedictory celebration which took place at Christ the King Catholic College, Odolewu on the 12th of June, 2019 started with a grand welcome of the Bishop, Most Rev Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina by the school boys Brigade and members of staff.

The mass was celebrated by the Bishop, Most Rev Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina assisted by the Director of Education, Rev Fr Emmanuel Matuluko; the Principal of the College, Rev Fr Peter Onabamiro; the College Chaplain, Rev Fr John Aruleba and several other priests present at the event. The event was witnessed by the religious, staff, parents, students and well wishers.

The homilist, Most Rev Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina welcomed everyone. In a special way, he thanked God for the opportunity to be at the institution for the first time. He thanked the parents who have chosen Catholic institution for their children and embracing the Catholic faith. He also thanked the management of the institution for the great work done.

Going through the readings, he said that the readings talked about thanksgiving to God. Isaiah who knew what God had done in the lives of Israelites in Babylonia, he returned all thanks to God. Also, St Paul in the second reading gave thanks to God, for His provision, providence and love. In all, the Gospel reading gave us the reason why we are giving thanks to God – the experience of a woman in labour – the agony and pain but at the end, all is forgotten. He therefore recommended Psalm 103 to everyone especially the grandaunts to read through. He encouraged everyone to emulate the act of thanksgiving of David.

Bishop Adesina admonished the students and everyone present to be humble, diligent and not to be over confident as he shared the story of “a foolish fish” which he tagged “parable of life”.
Afterwards, the graduands with their parents and well wishers danced in thanksgiving to the Lord.

The Principal, Rev Fr Peter Onabamiro in his closing remark welcomed the Bishop to the College. He thanked the parents for allowing their children to be part of the school. He also thanked the formators of the students, the priests and religious for their contributions to the school.
After the mass, the Bishop blessed the vehicle presented by the 19th Set to the school. Congratulations to the 91 ELANS!