Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami as expressed the mind of the Church that every parish must be a Eucharistic family and missionary Church. The Vicar General stated this in his remarks at the 10th anniversary celebration of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Lasokun, Ibadan, on Sunday 20th July 2025.

Fr. Oyelami, who is also the Dean of Oluyole Deanery represented the Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; who had agreed to be the Chief Celebrant at the celebration but was unavoidably absent due to other pastoral engagement outside the State. Co-celebrants at the Thanksgiving Mass were the Director of Religious Education in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Clement Emerue and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Taiwo Ibimiluyi; who had earlier welcomed the Archbishop in absential, Priests, Religious, parishioners, invited guests and family members to the 10th anniversary celebration.

Still on how important the celebration is, the Vicar General said that the Archbishop increased the number of deaneries in the Archdiocese because of the lay-faithful. He appreciated the development so far at St. Lawrence, which started like a family and became a parish in 2015, assuring the parishioners that with the look of things, the parish will soon be moved to category A in the Archdiocese.

Fr. Oyelami thanked God for blessing the parish with two priests, even when some parishes that have spent more than ten years are yet to have a priest. He acknowledged the founding members: Oyerindes, Adebisis, Ibirogbas, Orjis, Peters, Pa Adedapo, Charles Akee, Mrs Akeredolu and Ifedes as well as Fr Damian Bresnahan SMA; (both living and dead), and admonished that in order to move forward the parish must make Nigeria Motto: ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress’ its slogan; withdraw from anything that will destroy their faith for when their faith is strong, there will be unity like it happened during the earlier Christians. “When there is unity, there will be peace and when there is peace, there will be progress. On behalf of the Archbishop, I thank you all and the parish priest for the cooperation. May God bless the living and grant eternal rest to the souls departed,” he prayed.

The homilist, Rev. Fr. Clement Emerue started his homily with a song to appreciate what God had done, what He is doing and what He is still going to do. He recalled how the parish started through the efforts of few people in the past and how he always longed to be in the parish to celebrate Mass after his priestly ordination due to its uniqueness. “It is true the celebration is tenth year but its existence is more than ten years.” Fr. Emerue said.

The Director of Religious education defined Church in Saint Paul’s words to be a body of Christ where Christ is the Head and Church, its members. He called on the parishioners to ask among other questions whether the Church at Lasokun is united in faith? Really one in the Church? Bowing and respecting the leadership of the Church beginning from the Archbishop? Whether the Church is a visible sign of God’s presence? Holy, one, all embracing as a Church? Propagating God’s words in the world, where there are hatred and malice? Have learn to worship in virtues or vices? One that scatters or gathers? Living in sincerity of love? Is God accepting you, your worship and thanksgivings? How active are you in the Church? Are you making efforts in your societies? Are you Sunday-Sunday worshippers? Are you celebrating today because of the edifice or because you’re growing? “We must be true Christians, worshipping in truth.” The priest said.

On the readings of the day which emphasized hospitality and generosity, the homilist encouraged that the parish be open, welcoming and hospitable. “You should be busy building, making progress and unifying the Church like Mary was busy listening to the words of Christ in the day’s Gospel reading.” Fr. Emerue concluded.

There were thanksgivings in different categories after which the parish priest appreciated the contribution of all from the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job; the Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; the Vicar General, Director of religious Education; the priests that have worked in the parish, especially Frs Francis Onugha and Michael Woods; founding members, living and dead; Committee for the anniversary; parishioners; family members and invited guests. He enjoined all to contribute towards the Church’s Project, which is provision of pews, some of which were brought into the Church same day; during the second phase of the celebration after the Mass.

There were snapping of group photographs before the second phase which was chaired by Snr. High Chief Abu Ibrahim. Highlights of the second phase were parish priest’s opening speech; brief history of the parish by Mrs Valentina Ibirogba and Mrs Helen; drama by the parish’s CYON; Chorography by the parish’s PMS; donations for the project by individuals and societies/groups; cutting of anniversary cake; refreshment; dancing; toast and vote of thanks by the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Chief Paul Ozor.

A Noble of Knight of St. John International, Baba Michael Odubanji also appreciated the family of Prof. and Catechist Ibimiluyi for not just donating their son, Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi, whom he described as first class priest, to the parish but also donating towards the pew project. Baba Odubanjo, who is now a pig farmer added that farmers should be respected and also donated a pew.

In his closing remarks, the current Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Taiwo Ibimiluyi, who resumed in the parish on November 15, 2024, thanked the clergy, religious, lay faithful, guests and family members for coming to rejoice with the parish on its 10th anniversary, for which activities for the celebration started in February 2025 and thanksgiving Mass holding on 20th July 2025. He also gave the closing prayer and the blessing, while merry making continued thereafter as the parishioners’ expression of joy and happiness for the 10th anniversary celebration.