Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer) & Beatrice ADIGUN

 

As the 2025 Archdiocesan Lay-Apostolate Harvest Thanksgiving held on Saturday, 12th July 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Basorun, Ibadan; the Archdiocesan Laity Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale has charged the laity in the Archdiocese to give God their 3Ts; Time, Treasure and Talent.

The Lay – Apostolate Harvest Thanksgiving Mass which was presided over by the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami on behalf of the Archbishop. Concelebrated with him were the Archdiocesan Laity Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale; the Dean of Òkè - Offa Deanery, Msgr. J.K Idowu, the parish priest St. Cyprian Catholic Church, Oke – Offa, Msgr. T.O.A. Fadeyi; the parish Priest of Holy Family, Yawiri, Rev. Fr.  Francis Omolade; the Parish Priest of St. Mulumba, Alakia, Rev. Fr.  Vincent Okon (CSsR); the parish Priest of St. Anthony parish, Ejioku, Rev. Fr. Cyprian Nnamdi; the parish Priest of St. Francis, Sanyo-Soka, Rev. Fr. Jude Adeyemo; and the parish Priest of St. Patrick, Basorun, Rev. Fr. Ekene Ugwoegbu.

Also in attendance were the Religious, Laity Executives; Parishes from across the Archdiocese; Knights members; and representatives of Lay Organizations. The Host Parish Priest, Fr. Ekene, welcomed the clergy, religious and laity into the parish and wished all a bountiful harvest thanksgiving.

The Vicar General in his opening remark also welcomed all from parishes across the Archdiocese on behalf of the Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin. According to the Vicar General, “As the procession came in, I could hear members of the congregation saying ‘Baba da?’ (that is, where is the Archbishop). Baba is a man of many parts. He loves the laity so much but because of other pastoral engagements, he could not be here.” He added that it’s because the laity are progressing, that was why the Archbishop created new Parishes and Quasi parishes in the previous year. Fr. Oyelami noted that the gathering was to praise God and thank Him, by counting our blessings one by one.

In his homily, which was being interjected intermittently by complimentary songs in Yoruba, the Laity Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale drew from the words of wisdom that state thus: “When children are gathered to play together in the moon, it is not because they do not see the moon in their respective homes. Hence, our coming together today is not because of what we are going to eat or drink but coming together to show that we are one family.”

Fr. Asawale added that the gathering was not because of money, but to appreciate God in one another for granting us all the graces we needed from the beginning of the year till now, in spite of the happenings in the country. “See how Nigeria has being, yet, here we are shinning, with our two legs dancing to praise the Lord for what He has done. It is the mercy of God we are enjoying. Many have gone but God kept us so well, neat and we are grateful.’

On how to show appreciation to God for what He has done for us, the homilist said we have to show appreciation through our charity and that’s when money comes in. He made reference to Oyo Diocesan harvest where fifty million naira was realized, whereas the highest made so far here in Ibadan last year was six million naira. “That’s why we have brought this year’s harvest to Basorun Basilica because there are many projects that are piling up because the fund is not there.”

Fr. Asawale recalled how in parishes the congregation often say ‘awon laity tun ti de’ (the laity has come again) whenever laity executive comes out to address them. He then asked: Who are the laity? He answered the question by saying ‘all except the clergy and religious are laity’. “We are here to reconcile with one another. Hear what Joseph did about reconciliation. We could see the example in Joseph today. Imagine how his brothers planned to kill him before Reuben intervened. Now, see the graces of God on Joseph today. The enemies that pursued Joseph to Egypt did him good. The God of Israel planned for Israel, He has plans for you too. The way He has kept you in the first half of the year, he will see you through the remaining half of the year. You need not be afraid. Hence, let us do this harvest cheerfully as the money you’re withdrawing little by little will be withdrawn by the next of kin in bulk when you’re no more.” Fr Asawale stated.

The Harvest thanksgiving was later done, parish by parish after which lay organizations and groups also had their turns.

The Archdiocesan Laity President, Mr Felix Olujide, Laity Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale and the Vicar general, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami appreciated everyone for their active participation, on behalf of the Archbishop.

The Vicar General thanked all for their prayers for the priests and for projects in parishes, to which the laity are contributing. He however, tasked all not to forget the Synod on Synodality by joining hands to do things together and by allowing peace to reign in their various parishes.

The Bazaar sales, chaired by Mr John Alamu, who was represented by Mr. Felix Olujide Oladokun later took place within the Church premises after the Thanksgiving Mass, The event featured breaking of kolanut, cutting of cake as well as refreshment.

The closing remark was given by Mr. Felix Oladokun on behalf of the Chairman while the closing prayer was given by the Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale.