Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Catholic Church worldwide celebrated the feast of Exaltation of the Cross on Sunday 14th September 2025. According to the parish priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun, the Church cherishes the feast so much, because the cross saves; hence, the feast is being celebrated even on a Sunday this year.

The priest added that the feast of Exaltation of the Cross reminded all of the Veneration of the Cross during the Holy Week. The feast also came on a day the parish celebrated her 12th anniversary as a parish. “Today’s feast, exaltation of the cross also marks our existence as a parish twelve years ago. Ogbere that was unknown before is now known, even by those that have not being to the place. It is not easy for twelve years to keep moving. The parish is now seen as a Centre. No wonder this year alone the parish hosted 2025 Children’s Day celebration, Archdiocesan Board of Church Wardens and Archdiocesan Legionaries for good four days.” The priest noted.

Fr. Balogun admonished all never to be ashamed of the cross but rather exalt it, for a cross-less life is not a Christian’s life. Sign of the cross, Fr Balogun added is a symbol of unity, which has saved a lot of people from danger, problem and death.

The Cleric condemned the attitude of many today, who want to be focused on, rather than on Christ. “That’s why the riches Church is the Catholic Church, because it is ‘our Church’ not the pastor’s Church.”

On this special occasion, the parishioners had special thanksgiving for the 12th anniversary and also cut anniversary cake after the Mass with little refreshment and group photographs.

Similarly, Rev. Sr. Isidor Ibeawuchi, SJS, a senior sister to Rev. Sr. Emmanuella Ibeawuchi, SJS paid a visit to the parish for the first time and also had a special thanksgiving. The parish priest commended her for all her assistance to the parish and outstations, even when she has never being to the parish before.

Rev. Sr. Isidor in her remarks commended the parish priest and the parishioners for the unity in the parish and further appealed that all continue to collaborate with one another to move the parish forward.

Some Josephite’s Seminarians, who just arrived to continue with their study in Ogbere Community of the Congregation were also welcomed to the parish.