Fr. Francis T. OMOLADE.

 

The Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has admonished the faithful to put the Sacrament they have received into use in the Church and for the Church. This admonition was made on Sunday 11th of January during the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on candidates who had gone through catechetical formation for the stipulated period of time. There was also administration of Sacrament of Baptism on two babies to mark the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

The Archbishop said that the parish was lucky to have the two Sacraments combined on such day as this. He then educated parishioners on the interconnectedness of the two sacraments.  And as such there is no confusion of any kind.  He affirmed that Baptism is the First sacrament to be received without which no other sacrament can be received. Hence, Baptism is called “Door to other Sacraments”.  Such babies who were been baptized now would also one day receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. They would also participate in the Holy Eucharist during which the sacrament of the day are being administered.  Like the Baptism of Jesus that launched Him into His ministry, the parents of the children being baptized were advised to do everything in their power to train their children in the faith as they develop so as to entrench themselves in the mission of Christ and the Church.

 Admonishing the candidates for Confirmation, the Archbishop informed them that they are now adults; though it might not be in age but in faith and sacramental life.  He enjoined them to learn more about the faith of the Church by reading more about their faith and the Church. He asked them not only to use their money to recharge their phones but to use it to buy useful books that would assist them to develop their faith and better understand the Church they are part of. With better understanding of the Church, trial will not take you away from the Church, the Archbishop said.

As children of God and members of the Church, which the sacrament of baptism bestowed on us at reception, the Archbishop said that there are different societies in the Church as means to exercise the responsibilities of the sacrament we have received. He said though these societies had their various forms of prayer yet united in the Eucharist as the body of Christ.

He advised parishioners as children of God and members of the body of Christ saying: “you are not to do your own will but the will of Christ” who did the will of the Father who sent him. In trying to do God’s will, the Prelate admonished candidates for confirmation and all parishioners to put the sacrament into concrete use in the Church. They were also encouraged to live well wherever they find themselves so that they can positively impact the people around them.

The Sponsors were not left out in the admonition of the Archbishop. They were asked not to desert the candidates after the reception of the sacraments.  “You are to follow them in life especially their sacramental life to see that sacrament is not dormant in their life but seeing that they are active members of the Church.” He enjoined them to also encourage and pray for them always.

To all present at the Mass, the Archbishop counseled them not to be involved in any act that would destroy the Church but to keep the Church well and going according to the teaching of the founder: Jesus Christ. He affirmed that this can be done by giving good examples as Catholic in all spheres of life; such that our attitude will not be to destroy but that of “Ma je Ko baje”.  He then prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower all with wisdom and understanding in their day- to-day living as children of God and members of the Church.

At the end of the Mass, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Taiwo Omolade appreciated the Archbishop for coming to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation and also for the privilege given to combine it with Sacrament of Baptism. He also thanked all those who had helped in preparing the candidates for the day.  Before the final blessing the Archbishop, Most Rev. Gabriel “Leke Abegunrin encouraged parishioners not to lose hope despite challenges especially insecurity being faced in our country today.  He enjoined all to hold on to God with their faith and be hopeful that the situation will soon be better because Hope does not disappoint.

There were snapping of both group and personal photograph with the Archbishop after the Mass.