Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Christ has been described as someone that is more than a hero, for a hero is limited to human existence, whereas, Christ is both human and divine. Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechuckwu, CSJ said this during his homily on Easter Sunday at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan.

The priest described Christ as our mediator, who redeemed and reconciled man through His blood to God, hence, he said Christ’s mediation is a unique one. He added that those that contributed to Christ’s salvific work only played secondary roles, for man cannot effect any changes but only God. “Christ becomes a supreme mediator. His death refrains us from committing sin.” He stated.

Fr. Vitalis admonished the congregation to emulate Christ’s heroic obedience, humility and steadfastness, for it is only then they will be able to leave their human nature and enter into spiritual realm.

The priest also cautioned those he described as ‘ITK’ (I too know) that without obedience, they cannot be glorified and that without suffering, there is no glorification. He admonished all to let the Lenten season of 2026 have effects in them and that in their suffering, they should never lose hope.

The Easter Sunday Mass was celebrated by the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun, alongside the homilist and Rev. Frs. Esau Enger and Arnaud Aniou. Fr. Balogun appreciated the Josephite priests and brothers, Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, various functionaries and the entire parishioners for the wonderful Holy Week celebration.

Meanwhile, following the injunction of risen Lord that His disciples should meet His at Galilee, the parishioners of St Anne, Ogbere gathered at the Josephite Community to celebrate the Easter Picnic. The Chief celebrate was Rev. Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ, while Frs Stephen Balogun, Esau Enger and Vitalis Ikechukwu concelebrated.

Fr. Aniou in his introduction described the celebration as very simple for he said it is to enable Christ to commission all to go and announce His great resurrection that all have experienced.

Fr. Esau in his reflection added too that all have come to Galilee to see in one another Christ and to be given mission to announce His resurrection and not to remain in the lie that the soldiers were instructed to carry out.

The priest emphasized that Christ was not stolen but rose from the dead, hence, as faithful, we should no longer be afraid of death. He enjoined all to pray as a community for themselves and for peace in the society.

The parishioners had a thanksgiving during the Mass and also rejoiced with members that celebrated their birthdays same day. After the Mass, there was a love feast with a lot of programs, games, dance competition and a whole lot to gladden the heart of all. As a matter of fact, the residents around the community experienced fun moment like they never had before.