Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

As the Jubilee of Priests was held on Friday, 27th of June 2025 at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, Oke-Offa; the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has rejoiced with the priests in the Archdiocese, both the Diocesan and Religious Order’s priests as he said Jubilee of Priests was not declared for Diocesan Priests only but for all Priests.

His Grace also appreciated the Vicar for the Religious, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Kouijzer, SMA for his efforts and charged him to encourage the Religious Priests to do a little more, function more and ensure they are part of the Archdiocese.

Archbishop Abegunrin also cautioned priests against excesses of any kind. “No excesses in the Church, be normal in every celebration. Don’t get angry with every criticism. Stand at the pulpit to preach, not running around with the microphone; it is non-Catholic. Make Mass lively but without excesses. We are acting in position of Christ.” His Grace noted.

The Chief Shepherd of Ibadan, on behalf of Bishop Simon Faddoul thanked the priests for celebrating with them during the Jubilee of Bishops that took place two days earlier. He also enjoined the priests to take proper care of landed property in their respective parishes by doing the necessary documentation of such Church’s property.

His Grace also appreciated the lay faithful for being represented at the celebration, even when it was deliberately planned to be a low – key celebration. The Archbishop, who remarked that Ibadan Archdiocese is really growing also appealed for voluntary donations from the lay faithful without being begged for such whenever they noticed it is necessary to do so.

Similarly, the Vicar – General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami, who presided over the Mass thanked the Archbishop for coming to rejoice with the priests and congratulated all the priests as well.

Rev. Fr. Ekene in his homily described Jubilee as a time of rejoicing and a time of special solemnity, often when indulgence is gained. A Jubilee, rooted in Biblical tradition, is a year of release, renewal, and return—a time when prisoners were set free, debts forgiven, and the land restored. He added that Jubilee is very significant spiritually, because it is a period of God’s Grace and redemption.

For the Jubilee of priests, the homilist said it is for spiritual renewal and the celebration of the Ministry of the Priesthood. He described priests as inferior, only to God, even though they are also human being and can behave as such. Hence, he highlighted the reasons why priests should celebrate, despite their challenges thus: The work/effort made by priests are not measurable but before God, such work/efforts are measurable and significant; awareness of God’s Grace and having a God who is always ready to begin afresh with them.

He concluded by saying that Jesus always wants the priests to return to the crime scene; if not physically but by being remorseful, as he added that Jesus is more interested in the priests’ strengths than in their weaknesses.

The Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade gave a vote of thanks in which he thanked the Archbishop for his presence and equally appreciated the Parish Priest of St. Cyprian, Oke-Offa for hosting the event, St. Kizito parish and the Chancery for supporting and the “International Choir” made up of priests for rendering beautiful songs at the Mass. He used the opportunity to admonish all parishes to start saying the Anthem for the Jubilee.

After the celebration of the Holy Mass, the priests and the Archbishop went in procession to the Grotto where the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary was said and he His Grace blessed all thereafter.

There was a mini-reception where refreshment and the cutting of cake took place before the priests departed to their various parishes.