Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

As her customs, St. Anne Parish Ogbere, Ibadan again celebrated Valentine’s Day on Sunday, 15th February, 2026 amidst funs. The Chief Celebrant, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun welcomed the parishioners, who were beautifully dressed for the occasion to the day’s celebration, which was organized by the parish’s Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) in conjunction with the Seminarians of Josephite Community, Aba Onde, Ogbere, Ibadan.

Concelebrating priest, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ who delivered homily at the celebration admonished Catholic faithful to choose freely and wisely to observe the laws of God, for whatever a man chooses accompanies him throughout his life time.

According to the homilist, Christ is a wisdom that is mystery and has revealed Himself as wisdom incarnate in the day’s gospel. For Him, man lives and without Him, man is nothing. Hence, the teachings of the Catholic Church make commandments of God materials to live by.

Fr. Ikechukwu explained that Christ has not come to abolish the laws but to perfect them. That was why Christ reprimands Scribes and Pharisees occasionally for their misrepresentation of laws. It is therefore not only after a person commits adultery that he is guilty but the moment he thinks of it in his heart. Similarly, it is not only when one kills another person physically that he/she commits murder but even at the use of foul language such as ‘you fool’.

The cleric while still explaining the day’s gospel reading enjoined married couples to use the sacrament as a sacrament of life where equality exists. He cautioned against wrong use of the word ‘LOVE’ as often seen in the world today where a young man and woman who are meeting for the first time always profess to love each other; saying such love is an instinct, as against emotion, which takes time to materialize.

The Josephite’s priest also advised the congregation against swearing, which many now call diplomacy but rather let their ‘Yes’ be Yes and their ‘No’ be No. He prayed to God for the Grace and wisdom to live out the commandments of God, which leads to long life.

After the Mass, the parishioners gathered under the tents outside for the celebration proper, which commenced with an opening prayer said by Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ.

The parish priest, Fr. Balogun gave a welcome address which was followed by a drama presentation by the parish’s CYON to educate the congregation on what love really means; communion and shared joy.

Other highlights of the celebration were snapping of family/group photographs, cutting of cake by families, feeding of couples, games, exchange of gifts by couples, youth and choir. Couples dance was not left out as well as light refreshment.

Fr. Vitalis expressed gratitude to the parish priest for allowing such event to take place and also used the occasion to introduce Very Rev. Fr. John Odurukwe, CSJ, Vice Provincial Superior of the Josephite Congregation for Africa, who met the congregation in the midst of the celebration as he visits the community.

The CYON President in the parish, Miss Doyin Adewuyi gave a vote of thanks, while Fr. Odurukwe gave the closing prayer and the blessing to bring the celebration to a close.