Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

An outgoing Superior of Josephite of Murialdo, Vice Province of Africa, Ibadan Community, Ogbere, Rev. Fr. Justine Umburner Adeka, CSJ has admonished priests and student confreres of the Community to live a life of Josephite with their brothers. The priest made this appeal during a Sent-forth organized in his honour by the Community on Friday, 5th September, 2025.

The sent-forth, which started with a Mass concelebrated with him by the trio of Rev. Fr. Esau Enger, CSJ; Rev. Fr. Arnaud Aniuo, CSJ and the Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun; was also attended by Rev. Fr. Peter Jirgba, OSJ; Rev. Fr. Theophile Dossou-Yovo; Rev. Sr. Carine Okeh, SJS; Parishioners of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere as well as friends and well-wishers.

The homilist at the Mass, Fr. Aniou, CSJ charged Catholic faithful to understand their identities. He commended Fr. Adeka for many testimonies given about him by those that have being with him within the two years he has spent in the Community and prayed that God continues to strengthen him wherever he goes to continue with the proclamation of the Gospel.

The second part of the send-forth witnessed series of activities such as song of blessing; little game of truth and false by the Community Brothers, to show how they have known Fr. Justine Adeka; goodwill messages by friends and parishioners; presentation of citation read by Bro Osika Reagan, CSJ on behalf of the Community; presentation of gifts; dinner/light refreshment; toast & blessing; remarks and dancing time.

Sharing his experience with Fr. Adeka, Bro Stephen Igwe, CSJ; who was emotional having spent all his formation years, so far with Fr. Adeka stated thus: “He made us love agriculture; gives freedom to people to take decision; corrects with fatherly love; he is humble, transparent, treats all equally, gists about football and takes everything with ease. Encountering Fr. Justine changes you; very painful to have him leaving us. However, I cannot be selfish; others need him too.”

Bro Reuben Amara, CSJ says: “Fr. Justine punishes only for reason”, while Mrs Victoria Alli, a worker in the Community has this to say: “Fr. Justine talks to us like a mother; no shouting on people. He is a father who cares. Always finds way to make people laugh.”

The Parish Priest of St. Anne, Ogbere, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun could not say much other than “He is always ready to help in the parish. Everybody is called to serve and whoever is humble will be ready to serve.”

For Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ, “Fr. Justine has done very well in this Community that I don’t know if any other Confrere can do it. I replaced him in Sierra Leone when he was leaving as Master of Students. A year later, I came here too. We always communicate and work hand-in-hand. You’ve been a good friend, father and it is good to live with you. As you’re going, we are praying for you. Meanwhile, stay in the Noviciate and don’t leave it for me.”

In response, Fr. Adeka thanked God for the day, the gift of life, vocation and the Community. He thanked God for bringing all to him and him to all. He added that his new appointment as Novice Master in Sierra Leone is the first time an African is taking such responsibility, hence, yet to know what awaits him there. He however, made a request of continuous prayer as his new job needs more attention.

Gifts were later presented to him by the incoming Bursar, Rev. Fr. Esau Enger, CSJ after which all present were served refreshment, while the students’ confreres, including Fr Adeka and Fr Aniou danced to the admiration of all.

Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ, who hails from Benue State since his priestly ordination has served in various capacities: Asst. Parish Priest in Japa, Ghana; Postulancy Master in Sierra Leone; Bursar and later Superior of the Josephite Community in Ibadan and now Novice Master in Sierra Leone.

The Communty’s Citation ended thus: “Thank you Padre for all that you have done for us. You have always followed the Motto of our Founder, Saint Leonard Murialdo: ‘Do good and do it well.’ You’ve been a father, a brother and a friend.”

  Group photograph was taken with Fr. Adeka, to serve as a reminder of good time shared together with him in Ibadan Community.