Vincent OBANIYI

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo joined the universal Church to celebrate the World Day of Sanctification for Priests with a special Mass of thanksgiving, which also marked the Jubilee of Bishops, Priests, and Seminarians, and the 60th Priestly Anniversary of Most Rev. Julius Babatunde Adelakun, Bishop Emeritus of Oyo.

 

At the beginning of the Mass, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, offered prayers for the Mass intentions, uniting the faithful in gratitude for the gift of priesthood and for God’s continual guidance in the lives of all priests.

 

The homily was delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola, Vicar General of the Diocese. He warmly greeted the Bishop, the celebrant, and all priests, emphasizing the significance of the day as the World Day of Sanctification for Priests. He highlighted that 60 years of service in God's vineyard is a profound testimony of faith and commitment, praising the Adelakun family and inviting the congregation to sing Ebenezer Obey’s song “Baba o, a ba O yo” (Father, we celebrate you) to thank God for the life and ministry of Bishop Adelakun.

 

Fr. Boniface reminded the faithful of the recent Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, stressing that Christ’s love — shown through the gift of His body and blood — is the foundation of the priesthood. He reflected on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is celebrated on this day, as a source of love and purity, and encouraged all to model their hearts after Christ’s heart, from which we have received the Church, sacraments, and priesthood.

 

He recalled Rev. Fr. Jude's words that Jesus loved even those who betrayed Him, urging everyone to imitate this merciful love.

 

Fr. Boniface described Bishop Adelakun as a humble servant who never took God’s grace for granted and who significantly contributed to the growth and recognition of the Diocese of Oyo globally. Notably, he is the only Bishop in the Diocese's history to have produced five Bishops worldwide — a clear sign of God’s favor.

 

He praised Bishop Adelakun’s simplicity, vision, and love for humanity, thanking him for his unwavering dedication to the Diocese, and also commended Bishop Badejo for carrying forward this vision.

 

He concluded his homily with the prayer: “Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in you.”

 

In his remarks, Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all priests and faithful who contributed towards organizing the event. He prayed that as they honored Bishop Adelakun, God would in turn honour and bless them abundantly, granting them good health of mind and body.

 

He also thanked the homilist, Fr. Boniface, and prayed that God’s grace would continue to sustain the Diocese of Oyo, accompanying everyone safely back home. Amen.