Vincent OBANIYI

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo joined the Universal Church in celebrating the 59th World Communications Day with a week-long series of events aimed at promoting gentle, truthful, and hope-filled communication in line with Pope Francis' theme: “Share with Gentleness the Hope that is in Your Heart.”

The week commenced on Sunday with a Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church, Sabo, where the Diocesan Communication Director, Rev. Fr. John Irekiigbe, emphasized the Christians’ responsibility to reflect Christ’s love through kind and faith-rooted conversations.

Radio evangelization took the spotlight on Day 2, spreading the Pope’s message to more people. On Day 3, Children’s Day was marked with Mass and lively celebrations at St. Stephen Catholic Church, Apaara. Rev. Fr. Benjamin Jolasun urged children to embody gentleness and prayerfulness. Later, three children represented the Church in a radio competition, displaying remarkable eloquence and composure.

In Ogbomoso, the Social Communications Commission hosted a practical media training on Day 4, teaching parish representatives how to open and manage Facebook pages for evangelization. The session, facilitated by Mr. Vincent Obaniyi, was well received and energized participants to take their communication ministries online.

The Diocese witnessed an intellectual flourish on Day 5 as Catholic secondary schools gathered in Iseyin for a paper presentation competition. The program helped students internalize the Church’s communication message. St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Oyo, emerged winners, followed closely by other schools from Okeho, Ogbomoso, and Iseyin, respectively.

The celebration culminated with Mass at the Cathedral in Oyo, presided over by the Bishop, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo. He emphasized that everyone is a communicator, urging all to speak with hope and support media that uphold the truth. A post-Mass symposium followed, where media professionals urged that ethical reporting and the use of words to inspire, not injure.