Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode commemorates the souls of all the Priests, Religious and Seminarian who have worked in the Diocese on Friday 4th November 2022 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Magbo.

Because of the reality of the afterlife, the Diocese gathered solemnly to render prayers for the deceased’s souls with a candle lighted for each of the 27 persons in this category during the prayers of the faithful.

The Mass was principally celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina and concelebrated by all the Priests in the Diocese. The Religious and the Laity were also many in their numbers as they collectively seek for God’s mercy and forgiveness for the faithful departed.

The homilist, Fr. Charles Soyege says God will raise those who are dead in Christ referencing the three readings of the day. He asks if we should be praying for them or they are to pray for us? “We still need to pray without ceasing for our loved ones who died” was his answer to the rhetorical question he posed. He insists, “For us, we must begin to make amends in our lives so that when we die, the world will cry while we smile”

The Bishop in his remarks, appreciates the people of the parish and all the Priests and Deacons who have worked in the Ogijo axis of Sagamu Deanery. The Bishop says “we must not be cut away from those who are dead, God is freeing those in Purgatory through our prayers”. He continues by saying “We are in a pilgrimage that ends in God when we encounter Him face to face. But while we are alive, we should be faithful with our Christianity for time waits for no one.” Many are here enjoying treasures that cannot last; it is a pity that we seek more comfort in this world than salvation of our souls”. The Bishop prays for the strength to journey on the path laid by Jesus Christ through His Priests and the cooperation of the Laity with the available graces.

The people were happy to welcome the entire Diocese to the Parish and gave an account of the spiritual and physical developments of the Church since inception. The Bishop on behalf of the Priests’ body appreciated the people for their growth in faith; creating a new outstation and physical structural improvement.