Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Pastoral Secretary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade has reminded the Holy Childhood Association of the Archdiocese, that they are the future of the world, future of the Church and future of the society. Fr Omolade gave this reminder during his homily at Holy Mass commemorating the Jubilee of Children Celebration at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, on Tuesday, 27th May, 2025.

The Holy Mass, which had as the Chief Celebrant, the Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin also had in attendance the Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade; the Chaplain of HCA in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Martin Olowoyeye; the Host Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun; the Editor of the Catholic Weekly Independent, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi; the Dean of Oke-Ado Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Oniseitan; the Superior of St. Joseph Congregation, Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ; Rev. Frs: Francis Omolade, Christopher Olupooye and Gabriel Azeez.

Also in attendance were the Chairperson of the Day, Amb. (Mrs) Edith Isidahomen; HCA from 61 parishes and 9 Schools across the Archdiocese with their Animators and parishioners of the Host Parish.

The Host Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun had earlier welcomed all to the Children Day’s Celebration. He thanked His Grace, Priests and Religious, Parishes’ HCA and their Animators.

Continuing his reflection, Fr. Richard Omolade assured the children that their experience of today will make them better children and better Christians. He made reference to the life of early Christians of which he said there are many things to learn from in order not to be discouraged. “Paul and Barnabas suffered, beaten, jailed but didn’t give up. This happens to us too, but the lives of the apostles should give us hope.” Hence, he charged the children not to be discouraged. Not to live their lives like those that do not know God.

Fr. Omolade urged the children to have trust in God, believe in Him and go to Him always and not occasionally, for Christ has promised to be with His Church always. “Our children are going to be Pope, Bishop, Doctor, Priest and President in future. The Church has also called on us to be hopeful and not to allow our problems to weigh us down. We hope in you, trust in you and pray that God bless you, your parents and those that are assisting you.” Fr. Omolade stated.

There was a general thanksgiving after the reception of the Holy Eucharist, with the children in their various colours dancing forward with joy and gladness.

The Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Martin Olowoyeye appreciated everyone from the Chief Shepherd to the Priests, Parents, Animators and the HCA in general.

The Archbishop in his remarks, which was in form of questioning the children about the things used by the Church was very glad at the responses from the children and urged them to continue to learn more about the Church.

His Grace thanked the Host Parish Priest, Fr. Stephen Balogun, the parishioners and the functionaries. He equally thanked all the Animators and Children from across the Archdiocese for coming out in large number for the celebration.

There was also snapping of group photographs with the Archbishop, after the Mass. This was followed by the blessing and commissioning of the Parish’s Rectory, accompanied by the priests, religious and others.

The second part of the celebration commenced thereafter, where a welcome address was read by Theresa Babalola to welcome His Grace, Priests, Religious, HCA and their Animators to the celebration. The welcome address also appreciated the Parish Priest, Parish Animators and the Josephite Community as well as all the parents for their support and love for the children.

Other highlights of the second part were Match-Past and Parade dance, welcome song by Host Parish, cultural dance, bouncing castle and lots more. It was the Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade that also gave an opening remarks, while the Chairperson, Amb. (Mrs) Edith Isidahomen delivered a speech as well during the second part of the celebration. 

 The celebration was indeed a huge success, as the children were well catered for in terms of food and drinks.