Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Catholic Hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” has been recommended to Catholic faithful for the journey of the New Year 2026 in every aspect of their lives. This recommendation was made by the Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun during his homily on Sunday 18th January, 2026 in the parish.

The priest, however added that Christ could not be called on by the faithful except they knew Him. Hence, John in the day’s Gospel revealed Christ identity as the Lamb of God that possesses humility, simplicity and clarity.

The priest described Christians today as being spiritually blind and deaf to the realities around them, hence, the need for Jesus to set them free and transform them. “In truth, sometimes, we are spiritually blind to see and spiritually deaf to hear, due to our human limitations and sins. We need Jesus to set us free and transform us into light for others to see. Jesus Christ is our Saviour and Redeemer. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, the Passover Lamb, the Sacrificed Lamb, the Victorious Lamb, the Paschal Lamb who takes away our sins by His Precious blood shed on the cross at Calvary.” He stated.

Fr. Balogun pointed out clearly to then parishioners that wealth possession without peace of mind is vanity, except they have Christ in their lives, who did all He did for humanity, for love. “What gives value to our actions is not how big or visible they are, but the love with which they are done. Love transforms ordinary duties into offerings pleasing to God. When we act with love, our work becomes worship, our service becomes a blessing, and our sacrifices become meaningful. Jesus Himself lived this way, loving fully in every word, gesture, and act, even on the cross.”

The homilist warned both individuals and leaders against incessant complaining about their predecessors, rather than moving on with the tasks ahead of them. “This Jesus did, continuing from where John stopped.” The priest therefore admonished all to share Christ, who is Light and Word in the world.

The priest challenged the faithful to pray to God to enlighten them and guide them to do whatever they do with love and avoid deceiving themselves or being deceived in this New Year.

At the day’s Mass, the parishioners rejoiced with the parish CWO President, who is also the AICWO Queen, Mrs Marcelina Adewuyi and Mrs Deborah Ademola had special birthday thanksgiving, while birthday song was sang for both, alongside Salome Ajuwa and Mrs Oyin Adewuyi, who also celebrated their birthday.

Meanwhile, the parish conducted Laity Quiz Competition after the day’s Mass in the presence of the Parish Catechists and Laity Executives. The participants are to be presented with their prizes in the following Sunday.