Vincent OBANIYI (SCC, Oyo Diocese)

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo held its Catechists’ Retreat and Family Health Conference on August 28, 2025, at the Pastoral Centre, Awe, with the theme: “Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Be Renewed” (Isaiah 40:31). The program was designed to strengthen catechists and their families spiritually, physically, and socially, emphasizing their vital role in the life of the Church.

 

The day opened with the Holy Mass, after which delegates gathered for the Family Conference for Catechists and Spouses.

 

In her welcome address, Sr. Mary-Assumpta Taiwo, SSMA, Directress of Religious Education, highlighted the Church’s commitment to the holistic formation of pastoral agents. She noted that while catechists had in the past attended formation programs individually, this maiden family-focused retreat was specially designed to promote both personal and family growth. She stressed that as the family is the “domestic Church,” its strength directly impacts society. Sr. Mary-Assumpta further acknowledged the invaluable contributions of catechists to evangelization and reminded them of the equal importance of safeguarding their family’s faith, dignity, and well-being, with the loving support of their spouses.

 

Delivering his opening remarks through Sr. Mary-Assumpta, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of Oyo Diocese, encouraged the participants to be renewed in spirit and continue blending faith with family values.

 

The conference featured a series of insightful lectures:

 

Dr. (Mrs.) Benedicta Salami spoke on Food and Nutrition, outlining the types of food, their benefits, and potential dangers, stressing the link between nutrition, livelihood, and growth.

 

Prof. Engr. Emmanuel Sangotayo addressed the theme of Domestic Family, urging catechists to treat their families with dignity and love, be role models in their homes, and always put God first.

 

Mr. Anthony Adetoro gave a lecture on Health and Personal Care, highlighting the importance of healthy living, proper hygiene, and self-care among catechists and their families.

 

Participants also benefited from free medical checkups, including eye tests conducted by St. Lucy Eye Hospital, Ilora, and examinations by the Nurses Guild, Oyo.

 

In attendance were clergy, including Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasola and the Catechetical Commission Chairman, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Olabode, who both lent their support to the program.

 

The retreat was widely described as enlightening, impactful, and refreshing, equipping catechists and their spouses with knowledge on faith, family living, nutrition, and health. It reaffirmed the Church’s dedication to the integral human development of her pastoral agents while inspiring participants to deeper commitment in service, both at home and in the wider community.