St. Gabriel Media Team

Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, has commended the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) in the Archdiocese and specially the CMO of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan, for its commendable conduct of liturgical functions during this year’s Fathers’ Day celebration held on Sunday, May 3.

 

Speaking at the 9:00 a.m. Mass where he presided as Chief Celebrant, the Archbishop praised the active involvement of the men, who took up roles as choir, altar servers, Church wardens, lay readers, and announcers. “I am very pleased with the way the CMO handled the liturgy today,” he said. “The choir was lively and uplifting—truly reminiscent of what a Catholic choir should be.”

 

He further challenged the men to sustain the momentum by mentoring younger members of the choir. “You should draw closer to the younger choristers and help them improve in their service to the Church,” he added.

 

In a charge, Archbishop Abegunrin called on families to remain steadfast in their faith. “Families must continue to serve God faithfully,” he said, urging couples to “love one another and learn to tolerate each other in all circumstances.”

 

Earlier, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eseola, expressed appreciation to the Archbishop for celebrating the Mass in the parish on such a significant occasion. “We are grateful for your presence and encouragement,” he said, assuring him of the parish’s continued commitment to the work of God.

 

A major highlight of the celebration was the inauguration of newly elected CMO officers led by the President, Mr Pius Nsabe, as well as a group photograph of the members with the Archbishop.

 

Catholic Fathers’ Day is observed annually on the first Sunday of May in honour of the Patron Saint of the CMO, St. Joseph the Worker.