Vincent OBANIYI (SCC, Oyo Diocese)

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo on Sunday, 31st August 2025, witnessed an historic event of the 1st Solemn Admission Ceremony of the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Nigeria during a Holy Mass. The celebration, which took place at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Cathedral, Asogo, Oyo, brought together the clergy, religious, lay faithful, and dignitaries from within and outside the Diocese to mark this spiritual milestone.

In his homily, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, charged the faithful to model their lives after Christ and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, stressing that holiness must be our daily pursuit. He explained that the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary is one of the oldest Pious societies in the Church, second only to the Legion of Mary, and continues to play a vital role in the spiritual growth of Catholics worldwide.

 

The Bishop outlined the elements of holiness necessary for Christian living to include: Striving to be like Jesus in word and action; maintaining purity of mind, since every action begins in the heart; and cultivating kindness, love, and humility.

 

He reminded members that humility involves doing good works quietly without seeking human recognition, giving alms generously, and embracing obedience. He also warned that while the devil constantly seeks to destroy holiness, perseverance and faithfulness in God nurtured by active membership of Pious societies like this are the sure path to victory.

 

Bishop Badejo concluded his homily by urging the faithful to join the Association, describing it as one of the most important societies in the Church for sustaining holiness and drawing closer to Christ.

 

The Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Olayinka Julius, expressed profound gratitude to Bishop Badejo for his presence and support at this maiden admission ceremony. He also thanked the Priests, Religious, and Lay Faithful who graced the event. Fr. Julius emphasized the importance of ongoing prayers for the environment, recalling that the Prayer for the Earth has been observed for 10 years now, and called on all to take it with deep seriousness. He further encouraged the new members of the Association to live faithfully by their commitments.

 

The Diocesan Chairperson of the Association of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Oyo Diocese, Mrs. Mary Olasupo, began her remarks with thanksgiving to God for the success of the program. She appreciated Bishop Badejo for his fatherly love and spiritual guidance and prayed for God’s continuous blessing upon his episcopal ministry.

She also expressed gratitude to the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Olayinka Julius, the Provincial Director and Chaplain of the Association in Oyo Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Falade, and dignitaries from far and near, particularly Mr. James Fasola from Osogbo Diocese, for his tireless efforts in promoting the growth of the Association. Mrs. Olasupo shared testimonies of his dedication and prayed for God’s protection over his life.

 

Acknowledgment was also extended to Chief Lashilola and Dr. Anthony Adetoro, pioneers of the Association in Oyo Deanery, as well as Mrs. Aremu, Mrs. Idowu, Mrs. Obiora, and Mr. Thomas Adeyeye for their active contributions to the success of the event. She thanked her husband, Mr. Michael Aremu Olasupo, for being her strong support and source of encouragement. Finally, she appreciated all benefactors, seminarians, choir members, Church wardens, and everyone who contributed to the success of the day’s celebration.

 

In his closing admonition, Bishop Badejo pointed to the inspiring example of Mrs. Mary Olasupo, noting how she was not born a Catholic yet has risen to become Chairperson of such a significant society. He urged other societies in the Diocese to emulate the discipline and spirituality of the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, which integrates prayer, confession, and other sacramental practices into its life.

 

The Bishop emphasized the power of silence and meditation before God, describing it as a profound gift for deepening prayer and listening to God’s voice. He encouraged the newly admitted members to bring at least one new member each into the Association, so as to continue its growth and strengthen the faith of the community.

 

He recalled with joy the recent Assumption Celebration, which was successfully marked in the Diocese, announcing that Mrs. Juliana Alade has been appointed as the Permanent Chairperson for the annual Assumption feast.

 

Bishop Badejo concluded by calling all members to remain steadfast in faith and committed to their heavenly race before imparting his blessings on the congregation.