Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

As Archbishops, Priests, Religious, Lay faithful and family members gathered at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Sango-Ibadan to celebrate God’s faithfulness and blessings upon Rev. Fr. Abiodun Anthony Ademoye, OP on the occasion of his 30th Priestly Ordination Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass on 20th April, 2026; the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has described the celebrant as a good Catholic priest that does things in Catholic ways.

The Archbishop, who happened to be the one that ordained the celebrant 30 years ago congratulated him and enjoined priests to desist from leading people astray by doing things the way it should be done, even as he admonished the lay faithful to love their priests to progress and not to error; for he said lay faithful a times are too demanding.

The Archbishop congratulated the parishioners of St. Christopher, whom he said God has given their parish priest, Fr. Abiodun, a suitable kind of body that needs no big place to live in. He described the day’s celebration as a miracle, considering what the celebrant passed through of recent, healthwise.

The Chief Shepherd, who also presented a plague to the celebrant on behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council of St Christopher parish as a token of appreciation also challenged the parishioners to see their coming to Church as not because of any priest but because of God. He commended the progress made in the parish in terms of structural development, adding that the parish is one of the beautiful parishes in Ibadan.

 In his homily at the Mass, Rev. Fr. Charles Onwordi, OP also congratulated the celebrant for making a choice to be a priest, even though he is from a Muslim family. He rejoiced with the parishioners for the journey of 30 years, half of which the celebrant has spent as the parish priest of the Church and also the 25th anniversary of formal erection of St. Christopher’s parish, making it a double celebration for the parish.

The homilist enjoined the parishioners to note that Fr. Abiodun is also human, hence, they should not be discouraged whenever he acts contrary to their expectation. “We do not validate ourselves with what people say. Priest is human; graces like Stephen and that same Stephen could not stop those that killed him.” The priest stated.

Fr. Charles disclosed further that priests are called to be the ones to tell people the truth, and that both priests and lay faithful have a collective mandate to be witnesses. He urged the celebrant to be more resonate than ever before as he prayed for the grace of God upon him.

The celebrant was also joined in thanksgiving by all, including his mother, who danced to the admiration of all, not minding the fact that she just celebrated her 94th birthday on 7th April, 2026.

The Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job was also among over twenty four priests from within and outside Ibadan that attended the special thanksgiving Mass. His Grace gave a brief remark, bringing all present down the memory lane, like a teacher that he is.

Rev. Fr. Victor Ogundipe, OP gave a vote of thanks, welcoming and appreciating everyone for coming to St. Christopher, Sango, ‘AC compliance parish’.

The celebrant also thanked the Archbishops, priests, religious, family members and the parishioners for coming to rejoice with him. “My standing today is a testimony that God is good. Efforts of Nurses and Doctors are not in vain. All medications working. I am not fully back to my usual self but I am grateful to God for who I am today. I urge you all to look up to God, nothing is impossible for God.” Fr. Abiodun remarked.

A reception was also held in his honour in the Parish hall where his book “A Shepherd after God’s own heart” was unveiled and remarks about him were made by family members, brother priests, religious and parishioners. All described the celebrant as a kind hearted man and a true and faithful priest of God.

Fr. Abiodun was also joined in cutting his 30th anniversary cake, while those present were entertained with cultural dances and refreshment.

It was indeed a wonderful double celebration with a lot of lined-up activities that is expected to be rounded up on Sunday 26th April 2026 with Mass of Anniversary Thanksgiving and Grand Finale (Funfair and presentation of Awards).