Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun has admonished the faithful to let the light they have received at baptism show to others through being of service in the Church of God. Fr. Balogun said this on Sunday, 11th January, 2026 during the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, which signals the end of the Christmas season in the Church’s liturgical year.

Describing baptism as the gateway to other sacraments in the Church, the priest urged that the parishioners appreciate the sacrament of baptism which is a call to be active members of the Church.

Fr. Balogun used the occasion to congratulate eight Seminarians of the Josephite Congregation who were in the previous week installed as Lectors by the Provincial Superior of African Province, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Dumbuya, CSJ. The eight newly installed Lectors are: Alaekezie Emmanuel, CSJ; Regan Osika, CSJ; Igwe Ikenna Stephen, CSJ; Raymond Jighjigh Kaaor, CSJ; Mark Sarrah, CSJ; Gianni Fode, CSJ; Kumionguh Aondofa Andrew, CSJ and Laurice Hinde Houssou, CSJ. They have been called to proclaim the living Word of God in the Church and as a matter of fact commenced that duty by performing the functions of Lectors and Altar Servers at the day’s celebration which was presided over by Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun.

The parish priest, who educated the Lectors that it is now their duties to read the word of God added that nobody should beg them to read as Lectors in the Church that has remains for over 2000 years because it has been built on Christ. The homilist tasked all to examine whether they are participating actively in the Church’s faith and tradition for it is in knowing the faith that they will help themselves in correcting others.

The cleric urged all to be renewed in the Holy Spirit and desist from pushing away responsibilities but be known in the Church for something and do such too, from their heart and not because a friend does same. The fire of baptism, he added is supposed to change them like fire will change the colour of charcoal. Hence, Christ’s baptism is to show all an example that we need God. “Let Christ be able to say of you too: ‘this is my beloved son or daughter’. The priest stated.

The parish priest also advised the God Parents to ensure they guide the children that have been baptized in the Church, while warning the parents not to be over-protective of their children but allow them to mingle with others and render service to God.

The newly installed Lectors were later joined in thanksgiving, while a group in Caritas International School “Grace Point LLC” under the tutelage of Rev. Sr. Emmanuella Ibeawuchi and the parish’s Yoruba Community were presented with awards for their contribution to the Parish activities and the regional harvest thanksgiving respectively, in the year 2025.