Francis 'Jide MAKINWA

 

Mrs. Margaret Adenrele Aderinola (nee Badejo) is a Catholic faithful who met the faith, inherited it, and is still living and promoting it through her way of life. This declaration was made by Rev. Fr. John Irekiigbe during Mama Aderinola's Eightieth birthday thanksgiving Mass held at St. Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Osogbo, recently.

 

  Fr. Irekiigbe described Mama Aderinola as a staunch Catholic woman who prays the rosary daily, attends Mass regularly, and understands the doctrine very well. She trained all her children in the way of the Church, even though she was involved in a mixed marriage; her husband of blessed memory was not a Catholic. However, God, through His grace, made one of her children a Priest (Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adetunji Aderinola).

  According to the priest, Mama's life is a homily itself, as her faith is her backbone. She is of strong character and unwavering discipline; firm, warm, and caring. In her life, she has endured suffering, disappointments, and trials, yet, she stands today, unbroken but remains emboldened with wisdom and grace.

   She is a disciplinarian who is never afraid of correcting the wrong, and she tells the truth not to shame but to build, as in Ephesians 4:15: "Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." Her own bluntness has never been without compassion, Fr. Irekiigbe said.

The sacred hymns of old are her favourites. The hymns give her courage, confidence, and strength that calmed her storms and have been sustaining her, the priest said.

  Mama Aderinola is a mother to many; a helping hand who has fed many, prayed for many, and lifted many burdens, sometimes silently.

  Finally, Fr. Irekiigbe congratulated Mama Aderinola for achieving this remarkable milestone in life, in good health and happiness. It is just about grace, and that is why we raise our hearts in praises to God, who is the giver of life, the sustainer of our days, and the source of every good gift, following 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you," he concluded.

  Rev. Fr. Aderinola, in his vote of thanks, appreciated the Archbishop of Ibadan Metropolitan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, for all his efforts on her mum's life. He thanked the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, who was unavoidably absent but sent emissaries to the occasion. He was full of gratitude to the host Bishop, the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. John Oyejola, all the priests in attendance, especially the homilist, Rev. Fr. Irekiigbe and the Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Conception, who have always been part of Mama's life. He thanked the Cathedral Choir, the family members of Aderinola and Badejo, the Cathedral family, friends and well-wishers.

  Archbishop Abegunrin, in his comment, congratulated Mama Aderinola and rejoiced with her on the occasion. He appreciated the grace of God upon her to overcome all challenges of life. He acknowledged the presence of the Companions of Priests and Religious of which Mama Aderinola is a committed member, and thanked them for their regular prayer and support for the priests and the religious.

  The prelate used the occasion to call on parents to take good care and control of their children through good education and home training with discipline. This would go a long way to make life better for the future generations, he concluded.