By Fr. Anthony adetayo

In a grand ceremony marking his 40th priestly ordination anniversary that took place at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Ijebu-Ode on Saturday 12 October 2024 at the 10:00am Holy Mass of Thanksgiving, Very Rev. Fr. John Patrick Ngoyi CICM received the esteemed Papal Award of Recognition. This honour, bestowed by Pope Francis, acknowledges Fr. Ngoyi’s remarkable dedication and selfless service to the Catholic Church.

The award presentation took place during a joyous celebration at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Ijebu-Ode, where Fr. Ngoyi was joined by fellow celebrants Very Rev. Fr. Tunde Lawrence Alabi CSSP and Very Rev. Fr. Peter Oyenugba MSP, marking their 25th anniversaries.

Distinguished guests included:

1. Most Rev. Felicien Ntambie

2. Most Rev. Leonard Kasanda

3. Most Rev. Placide Lubamba

4. Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, Archbishop of Ibadan

Bishop Francis Adesina who gave this award praised Fr. Ngoyi’s exemplary service, saying, “I told the Pope about your service in Ijebu-Ode Diocese and so this award recognizes your unwavering commitment to spreading God’s word and serving humanity.” Fr. John Patrick Ngoyi, speaking on behalf of the celebrants, expressed heartfelt gratitude. Citing a Yoruba proverb, “The toad does not move in the day for no reason,” “What are you looking for?” was the rhetorical question he asked the Bishops. He said the Archbishop came all the way from Ibadan as well as the Archbishops from Congo. He said this is a big honour from the Church’s hierarchy and he so much values it. He has been touched by the people from all parts of the world.

Fr. Oyenugba continued the appreciation, thanking everyone for their support.

The Diocese also awarded Most Rev. Leonard Lumembu Kasanda, CICM in appreciation for his selfless missionary works in the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode between 1979 and 1994 as well as the Fathers and Brothers of the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) in appreciation for their sacrifices and labours of love in Ijebu-Ode Diocese  between 1979 and 2001.