Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The blessing of the renovated St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Oke-Padi by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; which according to His Grace, was casually fixed for the evening of Thursday, 26th February, 2026, eventually turned out to be a big celebration following the large turn-out of priests, religious lay faithful in their different uniforms and the Media Team of the Archdiocese.

The Cathedral building, which was constructed in 1954 and dedicated by the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job witnessed a massive turn-around for about nine months following a message passed quietly by the Archbishop but which was made open on 17th April, 2025 by the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode.

The ceremony started with the prayer and blessing of water at the Church entrance, sprinkling of the blessed water on all, cutting of the tape by the Archbishop, opening of the door, sprinkling of the holy water round the Church from the entrance to the Sanctuary and then the celebration of Holy Mass presided over by the Archbishop.

The homilist, who is also the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade expressed the joyous mood exhibited at the event by all as he said “inu didun la fii jo gangan.” He gave thanks to God of success for the great achievement.

Supporting his reflection by the readings at the event, Fr. Omolade stated that to bless is to praise, adding that blessing is a sacred action and to bless is both horizontal and vertical. Hence, the day’s gathering was to testify to God’s greatness amongst His people.

The homilist reminded all of the day’s event thus: “Let us remind ourselves of what we are doing. This is a sacred place where people of God meet and pray, a dwelling place of God on earth and a place for the highest sacrifice of praise, Holy Mass. Whatever is blessed is dedicated to God. Whatever we do here must make God happy and makes Him to bless us.”

The Chancellor recalled the story of the Cathedral building as he enjoined all to appreciate the contributions of our fathers in faith, those that have worked in the Cathedral and in a special way the Cathedral Administrator and his Assistant, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode and Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasakin respectively.

The occasion was also used by Fr. Omolade to remind all of Pope Benedict XVI’s saying that the Church belongs to all. Hence, he said “This event today invites us to spiritual renewal. The building is not the Church but we ourselves. We are to bring ourselves up in a manner that praises God, especially at this Lenten season.” Fr. Omolade did not forget to acknowledge the generosity of the donors, as he prayed that they be rewarded abundantly. 

In appreciation of what God has done for His Church, a general thanksgiving took place after the liturgy of the Eucharist; during which all danced joyously to the altar to offer their gifts.

The Cathedral Administrator gave a vote of thanks in which he appreciated God, the Archbishop, Archbishop Emeritus, priests, religious, all donors (individuals and families), especially those that are not worshipping in the Cathedral and those who do not even know where St. Mary’s Cathedral, Oke-Padi is located.

Fr. Akinyode also acknowledged the Construction Company that handled the renovation under the supervision of Architect Tosin Ibimiluyi, Engrs Femi and Fatima.

The Administrator equally appreciated all parishioners of St. Mary for keeping faith alive and for their endurance to worship outside (under sun and rain) for nine months without complaining. He thanked Catechist Oladimeji and Catechist Raphael, even as he disclosed thus: “This is just the first phase of the project. There are still much to be done. Let us not get tired nor lose faith.”

The Archbishop in his remarks equally appreciated everyone present, the priests, religious, CMO, CWO, CYON, Cathedral Administrator and his Assistant, Media team of the Archdiocese, headed by Rev. Fr. Anthony Ogunyale and enjoined all to hold on to God at all time. His Grace re-echoed the Cathedral Administrator’s message that more still needed to be done on the other old structures in the Cathedral, which he called home of all.

Courtesy of the Cathedral’s Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Laity Council, light refreshment was provided for all present as a token of appreciation.