Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer) & Catechist Patrick AKPAH

 

It was jubilation on Sunday 6th July 2025 as the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin installed additional sixteen Catechists for the Archdiocese at St. Martin De Porres, Ajobo, Ojoo, Ibadan. His Grace also used the occasion to bless the parish’s Tabernacle and admonished the parishioners to visit the Tabernacle occasionally to pray and do adoration and not only when the priest is around.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Olupooye welcomed the Archbishop, who was the Chief Celebrant at the installation Mass which was concelebrated with the Director of Religious Education in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Clement Emerue; the Parish Priest of St. Leo Catholic Church, Challenge Rev. Fr. Charles Acheneje, SMA; and the Parish Priest of St. Martin De Porres, Rev. Fr. Christopher Olupooye.

Archbishop Abegunrin at the introduction described the day’s installation ceremony as beautiful on the same day Christ in the Gospel appeals for more workers in the Vineyard. He welcomed those visiting the parish for the first time as he described the Church as a historic Church.

The Archbishop appreciated the infrastructural development in the parish and remarked thus: “It is good to send priest to a place, no matter how small. The Church is being expanded; though, still small. You need not bring down the Church building for a bigger one anymore but to multiply Mass.”

 

In his homily, the Archbishop said that an extension, which is really the Body of Christ according to the day’s readings is happening in our time. What Isaiah said before Christ came is still happening now. The Prophets did not say something that pleases themselves but what pleases God.  Some today call themselves Prophets, but prophesy or speaking in tongues is not learnt, it comes naturally.” His Grace therefore enjoined those to be installed to emulate St. Paul, who refused to glory in himself but in Christ. “God can write on a crooked line. We cannot write-off anybody. If someone is stubborn, just pray for him/her, God can use such like He used Paul.”

The Chief Shepherd emphasized that the culture of Christ is culture of love and that it will be good if we can emulate St. Paul. “The people we teach must be loved. When wrong, don’t be proud to say sorry. We are all human and not God. People, even children should not be treated with levity.” Hence, the Prelate suggested putting the children in the front in the Church to gain their attention.

Commenting on Christ sending seventy-two out to proclaim, the Archbishop said the Bishops are the Apostles of today, who pronounce peace on the people like Christ taught His Apostles, hence, Christ was so proud when the apostles returned from their mission and gave testimonies. “Christ is supporting going out to perform miracles but dislikes fake miracles. That is what we are short of now. Apostles are tools, instruments of peace and joy, not only the priests and religious but even the Catechists.”

His grace enjoined those to be installed to let their mind be free, no hatred. “Your mind must be free, no hatred. Devil has power but Christ has greater power. We mix-up religion with politics; No, don’t bring politics into the Church but you can take religion to them at political gathering.”

The Prelate also warned against hidden prayer but advised that we pray for all. He said even though we have different societies, the central prayer is the Eucharist and it is for all. His Grace cautioned against borrowing things into the Church but to maintain the Church’s originality. “Let us be careful, bear witness to the truth only. To whom much is given, much is expected. You should serve as an example.”

Installation ceremony commenced with Catechist Olagoke Vice President of Ibadan Archdiocesan Catechist Association calling on the Candidates to be installed, while each of them answered ‘present’ in turns as follow:

Cat. Adekunle Anthonia – Oke - Ado Deanery; Cat. Inyang Sunday Patrick - Oke Padi Deanery; Cat. Sanni Cecilia – Oke - Offa Deanery; Cat. Oseji Fidelis – Oke - Offa Deanery; Cat. Usoh Patrick - Bodija Deanery; Cat. Ibegbusim Emmanuel – Oke - Padi Deanery; Cat. Olojede Lawrence – Oke - Offa Deanery; Cat. Adegbola Mary – Oke - Padre Deanery; Cat. Ogunleke Peter - Oke - Ado Deanery; Cat. Kupoluyi Olufunmilayo - Bodija Deanery; Cat. Adeniji Timothy- Oke - Offa Deanery; Cat. Oghenejabor Christiana - Oke - Ado Deanery; Cat. Ugochukwu Theclar-Anne – Oke - Ado Deanery;  Cat. Dimgba Augustine - Igboora Deanery; Cat. Terseer Theophilus - Igboora Deanery; and Cat. Uchenna Osuagwu- Bodija Deanery

 

The installation rite was later performed after the Archbishop gladly accepted the candidates as introduced to him by the Director of Religious Education, Rev. Fr. Clement Emerue. The Director also thanked His Grace for accepting to have the celebration at St. Martin De Porres, Ajobo. He equally appreciated the new Catechists for undergoing 2-year training successfully and presented certificates to them as well. Fr. Emerue further announced for intending candidates that training of Catechists is for two years on Saturdays, 9am to 12pm and also introduced present set in training, who will be due for installation in the next two years.

The Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr Christopher Esomior and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Olupooye also expressed their appreciation for having His Grace in the parish as well as the Co-Celebrants. They thanked the new and old Catechists, saying they are at home.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Abegunrin encouraged the parish to do more. He advised the parish to do something on the piece of land by the Church. “On parish House, let us start to do something in order to grow. Put a foundation and if you call people to assist, you will have something to show. Let me get a plan soon.” His grace pleaded.

The Chief Celebrant later took his time to take photographs with the new Catechists collectively and individually after the Mass.