Michael OKEOLA

 

The week-long celebration marking the 70th Anniversary of St. Bernardine’s Girls Grammar School, Oyo, culminated in a solemn and grand Thanksgiving Mass held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at St. Bernardine’s Catholic Church, Owode, Oyo.

 

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, who delivered a profound and reflective homily to a congregation filled with old students, parishioners, clergy, and well-wishers. The atmosphere in the Church was marked by gratitude, joy, and a deep sense of history as the school community gathered to give thanks for seven decades of academic excellence and moral formation.

In his homily, Bishop Badejo remarked that anyone unfamiliar with the Catholic Church might mistake the gathering for a national celebration due to the visible unity and diversity of gifts displayed by those present. He congratulated the school community for their dedication and reminded them that the blessings received from God are meant to be shared.

According to him, Jesus gives generously so that His people may give back, and in doing so, they experience the Lord’s continued blessings through Christ.

 

The Bishop emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and the power of choice, noting that every decision presents an opportunity to manifest God. He stated that individuals who rise to leadership are ultimately defined by the choices they make, whether in marriage, career, or service to society. Addressing broader societal concerns, he spoke about the responsible use of national resources, stressing that income meant for development must prioritize learning and the welfare of children.

Referencing Matthew 5:17–37, Bishop Badejo explained that the Word of God and the Commandments are not about abolishing laws but about transforming the human heart. He urged the faithful to live by the fruits of the Gospel and to work in ways that bring praise to God rather than being influenced by rumors or the fleeting wisdom of the age. He encouraged the congregation to embrace transparency, integrity, and the rule of God in public and private life. In a remark that resonated strongly with the congregation, he stated that the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement, adding that everyone is invited to become the better version of themselves that God created them to be.

Following the homily, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Olanrewaju, expressed appreciation to the Bishop for honoring the parish with his presence and for hosting the grand celebration. He offered prayers for the continued growth of the school and the success of its Old Students.

 

The President of the St. Bernardine’s Old Students Association, Engr. George Olajide, delivered a detailed vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the parish community and the Parish Priest for their support throughout the anniversary celebrations. He acknowledged alumni priests, including Rev. Fr. Anthony Ojediran and Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola, who attended the opening Mass, and gave special recognition to Rev. Fr. Pius Egunjobi, who traveled from Kenya to deliver a lecture during the anniversary week. Engr. Olajide also thanked Bishop Badejo for his guidance, corrections, and consistent availability.

 

He further commended Mrs. Igbeyin, President of the Old Girls, for fostering unity between the Old Girls Association and the St. Bernardine’s Old Students Association under a unified leadership structure. As part of the closing formalities, Engr. Olajide presented the newly elected and re-elected executives of the association to the Bishop for a special blessing.

 

The Mass concluded with a final blessing from Bishop Badejo, bringing to an end both the Eucharistic celebration and the week-long 70th anniversary activities of St. Bernardine’s Girls Grammar School.