Sr. Rachael Busayo OMOLỌSỌ, DHS & Prince Jacob A. OYEDIRAN (SCC, Oyo Diocese)

 

The Catholic community of St. Paul’s Parish, Itasa, witnessed a historic and joyful occasion on Sunday, September 28, 2025, as Rev. Sr. Felicia Ronke Ogungbenle, DHS, celebrated her Thanksgiving Mass for the Final Profession of Vows. The liturgy began at 10:00 a.m. with a solemn procession led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. David Ola-Oluwa Ayodeji, accompanied by altar servers and liturgical ministers.

 

Rev. Fr. Ayodeji, who presided at the Eucharistic celebration, welcomed the Daughters of the Holy Spirit (DHS) Sisters present, including Srs. Anne Oloruntoba, Patricia Akinremi, and Christiana Oguntoyinbo, who had joined Sr. Felicia in making their perpetual vows at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, on the previous day.

 

In his homily, Fr. Ayodeji shared his personal experience with the DHS during his formative years at Maryland Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Ogbomoso, where he was taught by Sisters of the congregation.

Reflecting on the readings of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, he highlighted the Christian call to live a life of faith, love, and service. Referring to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), he cautioned against indifference to the poor and reminded the faithful that “no earthly condition is permanent.” He urged the congregation to examine their lives by asking the question: “What will be said about us after we leave this earth?”

 

Quoting St. Paul’s exhortation in 1 Timothy 6:11–12, he addressed the newly professed Sisters directly: “As for you, O woman of God, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life.” He prayed that they may be granted the grace of final perseverance in their vocation.

 

The celebration was further enriched by the presence of Rev. Fr. Joseph Ogundipe, who arrived after Communion and offered a special prayer for Sr. Felicia and her family.

 

During the event, Sr. Charity Okoro, DHS, presented the history and mission of the congregation. Founded in 1706 in Brittany, France, by Marie Balavenne and Renne Burel under the guidance of Fr. Jean Leuduger, the DHS is dedicated to serving the poor, the sick, women, and children. Today, the congregation is present in 13 countries across four continents. Sr. Charity explained the charism of the community—living together in the Spirit of Pentecost—and invited young people who may feel called by God to consider the religious life within the congregation.

 

In her words of gratitude, Sr. Felicia gave thanks to God for sustaining her since she began her journey in 2011. She expressed appreciation to her parish priest, her family, especially her mother, the DHS congregation, traditional leaders, parishioners, and all who contributed to the success of the celebration. She encouraged young people to be opened to the call of God and appealed to parents to support their children who desire to embrace religious life.

 

Speaking on behalf of the parish community, Mr. Emmanuel Awolere, Parish Chairman, thanked the DHS Sisters for honoring the parish with their presence. In his final remarks, Fr. Ayodeji expressed gratitude to the Ogungbenle’s family for their strong witness to faith, noting that they have given the Church both a Catechist and two Religious Sisters.

The celebration was further dignified by the presence of HRH Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran, the Onitile of Itasa, together with members of the Onitile Council of Chiefs. Also in attendance was Rev. Fr. Joseph Ogundipe, Rev Fr Anthony Abegunde and many other dignitaries who came to share in the joy of the occasion.

 

The Mass concluded with a joyful thanksgiving procession, accompanied by hymns and cultural expressions of praise, as the faithful joined Sr. Felicia in celebrating her perpetual commitment to Christ and His Church.