The Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode celebrated her 2021 Chrism Mass on Wednesday 31st March 2021 at Saint Sebastian Catholic Cathedral Odo Egbo, Ijebu-Ode. The Mass which was celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina together with all other priests in the Diocese, has in attendance Religious and multitude of laity including men, women, youth, children, and students.

In his homily, the Bishop explained the three purposes for which the people have gathered. Firstly, for the bishop to bless and consecrate the three oils needed for the celebration of various sacraments which are: the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens and the Chrism oil. Secondly, the gathering is meant for priests to renew their commitment to their ordination promise and renew their will to foster collaboration with the Bishop in obedience. Thirdly, to gather our various gift items to support the pastoral office of the Bishop in cash and kind. He added that the Cathedraticum is a responsibility, in fact a solemn responsibility the people have to support the pastoral ministry of The Bishop in cash and kind.

He reminded the congregants that this time last year the celebration of the Chrism Mass was in a low-key due to the restrictions put in place to militate against the spread of Corona virus pandemic. But now that we have fully returned to our worship, we give thanks to God and still follow the prescribed protocol for safe worship. “On a day like this we thank God for the gift of the Holy Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist.” The Bishop reiterated that we must pray for our priests, those on the sanctuary today, those who are sick those who are on mission or studies and those who are experiencing vocation crisis. The Bishop said “we must pray for retired priests and especially our Emeritus Bishop. We must also pray for priests who have died.”

The Bishop added that we are afraid because of the crisis in our land but Jesus gives us hope today as he did in the Gospel passage by the gift of his new anointing. We all need this new anointing from Jesus so that especially the priest will not see the ministry as a burden and whenever they feel discouraged that the voice of prayer will lift them up. The Bishop thanked the lay faithful for supporting the priests.

Before the end of the Holy Mass, the Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Albert Igbodipe announced the creation of two new Deaneries namely; Iloti Deanery and Iperu Deanery, carved out from Ijebu Ode Deanery and Sagamu Deanery respectively.

Ijebu-Ode Deanery now consists of;
St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Odo-Egbo, Ijebu-Ode
St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish, Ejinrin Road
St. Timothy’s Catholic Parish, Degun
Sacred Heart Catholic Quasi-Parish, Kajola
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Quasi-Parish, Oke-Owa
Blessed Tansi Catholic Quasi-Parish, G.R.A., Ijebu-ode
St. Francis Catholic Quasi-Parish, Odo-Aye
Sacred Heart Catholic College, Owakurudu

Iloti Deanery now consists of;
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish, Iloti
Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, Isiwo
Corpus Christi Catholic Parish, Ikoto
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Parish, Ilado
St. Francis Catholic Parish, Ibefun
Sacred Heart Catholic Independent Stattion, Egbe
Christ The King Catholic College, Odolewu

Sagamu Deanery now consists of;
St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish, Ayegbami
Holy Family Catholic Parish, G.R.A., Sagamu
Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, Ajaka
St. Francis Catholic Parish, Likosi
St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Ogijo

Iperu Deanery now consists of;
St. John Vianney Catholic Parish, Iperu
St. Michael Catholic Parish, Ilishan
St Thomas Catholic Parish, Ogere
St. John The Evangelist Catholic Parish, Odogbolu
St. Philip’s Catholic Parish, Okun Owa.

This necessitated the appointment of three new Deans. Very Rev. Fr. Ayanbadejo Peter, for Ogbere Deanery; Very Rev. Fr. John-Andison Anyanwu for the new Iloti Deanery and Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Okocha for the new Iperu Deanery.

The Vicar for Pastoral Affairs, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Balogun gave the vote of thanks at the end of all announcements while the Bishop gave the Episcopal blessing.
People around testify to the glory of God in the progressive leadership of the Bishop.