Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has enjoined priests in the Church to always do what pleases God in order to be successful. The Archbishop made this admonition during his homily at the 2026 Chrism Mass at St. Mary catholic Cathedral, Oke – Padi, Ibadan, on Thursday, 2nd April, 2026.

The Archbishop implored the priests to ensure they are always inspired by Christ’s selfless service and therefore not lord it over their parishioners. “Follow Christ’s injunction to serve and not to be served. Always ask: what would Jesus have done? Christ was not diminished by being humble. Be able to do your work smiling even while suffering. If we serve our parishioners with all our hearts in humility, we shall be better for it. The way we bring up our parishioners, we shall live with it. If they are brought up not out of love, you too will not have peace.” The Archbishop stated.

His Grace advised the priests to try their best to be close to their parishioners and never to be far away from bad people but be close to them to advise them with love of Christ. “Priest is not a priest for himself but for others; the old, young, men and women need you. help them to find their ways to Christ.” He said.

The Chief Shepherd, who added that faith of many is tested at this moment through social media reminded the priests that they are not called to be successful but to bring people to God, hence, they should be available and love their people without complaining. “To be successful is to be available and faithful to the Church. People use social media to gain followers but for priests, are we really gaining people to ourselves or Christ? Let us be careful how we gain people to ourselves. Our task is to be shepherd to the flock.”

His Grace used the day’s celebration to also call on all to pray for vocation by ensuring vocation committee of all parishes are functioning to talk to young ones and also to contribute to be able to have money to train seminarians.

Archbishop Abegunrin thanked the Consecrated persons (males and females) in the Archdiocese and tasked all to work hand-in-hand with the Vicar for Religious, Fr. Ogundipe, as well as the priests in Ibadan Archdiocese.

To the lay faithful, His Grace said they are significant part of the Church and so, urged them to make the priests what they want them to be. “Make the priests what you want them to be, make them happy, strong, and everything will return to you. pray for them. They need your contribution and advice. When the shepherds are happy, they will serve you better.” His Grace stated.

The Prelate also called on government to empower security agencies in bringing to justice those causing evil in the society as he recalled the event of attack by terrorists in Jos on Palm Sunday, saying the Church stands by them.

The homily was followed by the renewal of commitment to priestly service and Christian life in general by the priests and deacons, seminarians, religious  and lay faithful; after which all the priests and deacons approached the Archbishop to give expression of their faithfulness to Him and the Church.

As a custom, oil of Chrism, oil of Catechumen, and oil of the Sick were presented and blessed by the Archbishop after which there was a general thanksgiving by the clergy, supported by the faithful.

The Archbishop appreciated the archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job, Monsignorii, priests, deacons and religious, lay faithful and lay organizations for the day’s celebration.