Vincent OBANIYI

 

St. Theresa Catholic Parish, Ijio, joyfully celebrated this year's Children's Day with a well-organized programme that began with a Solemn Holy Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Ijio. The Mass was officiated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Adejumo, together with the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Phillip Ogunlere.

 

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Phillip Ogunlere admonished the children to always keep the commandments of God, reminding them that they belong to Jesus Christ and that their lives must bear the light of Christ. He equally charged parents to always bring their children to God in all aspects of their lives, providing them with sound knowledge of God, quality education, and protection from the present-day Herod of our time. He further noted that when both the Church and society do their best in forming the little ones on the right path, then we can be sure of a better tomorrow for the Church and our dying world. He concluded his homily with a prayer that Christ may always protect the children and that as they gathered that day to thank Him for the gift of their lives, they may serve Christ till eternity. Fr. Phillip also offered prayers for the safe release of children and all persons held in captivity across Nigeria and the entire world.

 

Following the Holy Mass, the celebration continued with a procession to the Palace of the Amunijio of Ijio Land, Oba Mudasiru Olawale Oyewobi. The revered Monarch warmly greeted and welcomed the Parish Priest, Fr. Joseph Adejumo; Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Philip Ogunlere and the children, encouraging them to continue walking with Christ, to be obedient children, and to serve as good ambassadors of the nation. He blessed them with prayer, to which all chorused a resounding Amen. The king was visibly delighted to receive about 372 children who arrived alongside their animators in a colourful and spirited procession.

 

The CPC Chairman, Mr. Moses Olaore, delivered an opening speech in which he encouraged the children to always listen to their parents and to serve God wholeheartedly. The festivities featured a parish-by-parish match-past, relay races, egg-and-spoon races, and a bottle-filling competition, with the participating Churches showcasing great enthusiasm and sportsmanship. The competing Churches were St. Theresa Catholic Church Ijio, St. Pius Catholic Church Idiko Ile, and St. Mary Catholic Church Ayegun. The event was further enriched by special performances and vibrant cultural displays presented by the children, with St. Mary Catholic Church Ayegun and St. Theresa Catholic Church Ijio standing out for their exceptional talents.

 

At the conclusion of the competitions, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Adejumo, presented prize cheques to the winning Churches. St. Mary Catholic Church Ayegun claimed first position and received the sum of ₦100,000, St. Pius Catholic Church Idiko Ile came second and received ₦50,000, while St. Theresa Catholic Church Ijio claimed third position with a prize of ₦20,000. The event was graced by the presence of Sr. Francisca Ola, SSL and Sr. Catherine Ayodele, SSL, whose presence added to the dignity and spiritual atmosphere of the celebration.

 

 In his closing remarks Fr. Joseph Adejumo (The Parish Priest) expressed his joy and satisfaction, encouraging the Church, parents, and the entire community to continue celebrating children, as they remain the hope of tomorrow. He also urged parents and all those present to take the matter of security seriously in these challenging times. In a deeply moving moment, he lifted up in prayer all children currently held in captivity, calling on Almighty God to rescue and deliver them from the hands of bandits. He prayed fervently for them and blessed them all. The day's programme was indeed a beautiful testament to the faith, unity, and vibrant Catholic life of St. Theresa Catholic Parish, Ijio, as the Church continued to invest in the spiritual and holistic formation of her youngest members.