Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

tonnisco7@gmail.com

 

The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan came alive with joy and thanksgiving on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, as four priests—Rev. Fr. Benedict Ugwoegbu, Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade, Rev. Fr. Felix Akinyode, and Rev. Fr. John Okebule—marked the 20th anniversary of their priestly ordination with a solemn celebration at St. Luke Catholic Church, UCH Ibadan.

 

The event, graced by the presence of His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin, Archbishop of Ibadan; Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, Archbishop Emeritus; clergy, religious, and lay faithful, was a profound expression of gratitude to God for two decades of priestly service, sacrifice, and grace.

 

The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Benedict Ugwoegbu, one of the jubilarians, and concelebrated by his fellow celebrants. Msgr. Otubusin, Msgr. Fadeyi, Cathedral administrator, Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode, Fr. Joseph Akinbinu the Dean of Bodija Deanery, and a Deacon were also in attendance.

 

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Ekene Ugwoegbu reflected on the significance of the occasion, drawing parallels between the celebration and the Biblical story of the grateful leper who returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:11–19). He emphasized that the day was not only a time of celebration but also of deep reflection and renewed commitment.

 

“It is only right that you feel special today,” Fr. Ugwoegbu told the jubilarians. “The world may not have seen the silent struggles, sacrifices, and the blessings you’ve received over the past 20 years, but today, the Church gathers to honour that journey.”

 

He noted that the occasion marks a transition of how the priests are perceived, not as young clerics again, but as elder shepherds entrusted with mentoring and guiding younger priests. Drawing a metaphor from the world of rehabilitation sponsorship, he challenged the jubilarians to examine their readiness to shoulder such greater responsibilities.

Fr. Ugwoegbu further exhorted the priests to never lose their "voice", emphasizing that the voice of a priest transcends speech as it embodies responsibility, conviction, and the courage to speak truth in love.

 

“One of the greatest disasters that can befall a priest is to lose his voice,” he warned. “May your voices never be silenced, and may you remain fearless in proclaiming the Gospel.” He prayed

Referencing Acts 4:20, he urged the priests to keep Christ at the center of their ministry and never be tired of preaching the Good News.

 

The parish priest of St. Luke Catholic Church and one of the celebrants, Rev. Fr. Felix Akinyode, warmly welcomed the Archbishop, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, priests, religious and all the lay faithful to the parish and expressed profound gratitude to God for witnessing the day.

 

Speaking on behalf of the jubilarians, Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade extended heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Abegunrin for his spiritual leadership and to Archbishop Emeritus, Felix Alaba Job, who ordained them two decades ago. He acknowledged the unwavering support, love, and prayers from the entire Archdiocesan community, describing the journey as “memorable and worthy of thanksgiving.”

 

In his remarks, Archbishop Emeritus, Felix Alaba Job recalled with joy the ordination day of the celebrants, noting that they wore the same vestments for the anniversary celebration. He encouraged thanksgiving that stems from the heart, reminding all present that it is God who sustains the priestly vocation.

 

Archbishop Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin, the Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese, expressed deep appreciation to God for the lives and ministry of the four priests. He acknowledged the virtue of perseverance as essential in the priesthood and encouraged both clergy and laity to remain committed to the propagation of the Gospel and the growth of the Church.

 

The event concluded with a joyful thanksgiving procession and warm fellowship, marking a day of grace, reflection, and renewed dedication in the lives of the four priests and the entire Catholic Community in Ibadan.