Amb. Edith Isidahomen

Family, friends and the faithful of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, gathered in thanksgiving to God as Mrs Stella Adunni Akinjo marked her 70th birthday with a solemn Mass of Thanksgiving.

 

The Holy Mass was presided over by His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, Archbishop of Ibadan, and concelebrated by the Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo with over 38 priests and religious in attendance.

 

The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. Bernard Azeez, who called on the congregation to embrace a life of gratitude to God in all circumstances.

 

In his reflection, Fr. Azeez reminded the faithful that thanksgiving is central to the Christian life. He noted that while only God fully knows the challenges and trials the celebrant has faced in her 70-year journey, the essence of the gathering was to thank God for life, grace, and faithfulness.

 

He emphasized that gratitude should not  depend solely on achievements or material success, but should be offered to God at all times, in words and in actions.

 

Praying for the celebrant, Fr. Azeez asked that her offerings and thanksgiving be acceptable to God all the days of her life. He also commended her for her long-standing commitment to the Church and service to humanity, recalling his personal encounter with her during his school days at Oke-Are, where she was known for her kindness and care, especially in providing meals for children.

 

The homilist further observed that many people often fail to acknowledge God’s grace in their lives, urging the congregation to cultivate a heart of constant gratitude. Special prayers were offered for Chief Mrs Akinjo, her family, and all well-wishers present at the Mass.

In his remarks, Archbishop Abegunrin expressed gratitude to God for the life of the celebrant and commended her children, Patrick, Wande, and Mayowa for reflecting the virtues of their mother in their lives. He also acknowledged the presence of friends and family members who travelled from far and near to celebrate with the Akinjo family.

The Archbishop called for continued prayers for the celebrant and her family, while also offering prayers for all present.

 

The Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese also appreciated all those who contributed to the success of the Thanksgiving Mass, including the choir, lectors, church wardens, and other lay ministers who served diligently.

 

The vote of thanks was delivered by one of the celebrant’s children, who spoke on behalf of the Akinjo family. He expressed profound gratitude to His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, for his pastoral support and fatherly care. He also acknowledged the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo, for his constant support of the family.

 

Special appreciation was extended to the Parish Priest of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, Very Rev. Monsignor Joseph Kehinde Idowu, for his encouragement and support to the celebrant and her children.

 

He also thanked all priests, religious, and parishioners present, noting with pride that he was born and raised in the parish, which made the celebration particularly meaningful.

 

The Thanksgiving Mass was marked by joy, prayer, and deep gratitude to God for a life well lived in service to the Church and humanity, as Chief Mrs Stella Adunni Akinjo celebrated seven decades of God’s abiding grace.

A modest reception took place at the conclusion of the Thanksgiving Mass where the guests were duly entertained.