Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo on Sunday, 26th July 2026, joined the Universal Church in celebrating Elders Sunday, a special annual observance dedicated to honouring older persons for their enduring witness of faith, invaluable wisdom, and selfless service to both the Church and society.

 

At the diocesan celebration held at the Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Cathedral, Asogo, Oyo, the Holy Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, concelebrated with the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka, amidst a congregation of religious and lay faithful.

 

Delivering a characteristically engaging and thought-provoking homily, Bishop Badejo described old age as one of God's greatest gifts, stressing that longevity is not merely a mark of advancing years but a testimony to God's sustaining grace. He reminded the faithful that while wealth, influence and education can be acquired, the gift of a long life remains entirely in God's hands.

 

Opening with humour, the Bishop observed that many young people enthusiastically sing hymns declaring, "Since I was born and now I am getting old, I have never seen the Lord changeth," even though they have experienced only a few years of life. He contrasted this with the elderly, who have witnessed generations of social, political and cultural transformation—from colonial Nigeria to independence, through seasons of effective leadership and periods of national difficulty—yet have consistently found God to be faithful.

 

"The only One who never changes is Almighty God," he emphasized, inviting the congregation to appreciate the steadfastness of God as witnessed by those who have journeyed through many decades of life.

 

Quoting the Holy Father, Bishop Badejo described older persons as "libraries of wisdom, experience and inspiration," insisting that experience remains one of humanity's greatest treasures because it cannot be purchased or manufactured.

 

To illustrate this point, the Bishop referenced the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, explaining that despite impressive technological innovation, experience still possesses a value beyond automation. He recounted how a leading automobile manufacturer discovered that sophisticated technology could not completely replace the practical judgment and insight acquired by experienced workers over many years. The lesson, he said, is that technology may process information, but wisdom is cultivated through life itself.

 

He further illustrated the point with familiar Nigerian realities, noting that an experienced mechanic can often restore decades-old vehicles without sophisticated equipment because practical knowledge accumulated through years of work frequently surpasses theoretical understanding alone.

 

Turning to the First Reading, Bishop Badejo reflected on King Solomon, who, when invited by God to ask for anything, chose wisdom instead of riches, honour or power. According to the Bishop, Solomon's request demonstrates that lasting success begins with the wisdom that comes from God rather than the pursuit of material possessions.

 

He challenged especially young people to prioritize wisdom, discernment and character above temporary achievements, reminding them that God's wisdom remains the true foundation for building families, communities and nations.

 

The Bishop also acknowledged that while old age itself does not automatically guarantee virtue, society flourishes when elders faithfully embrace their God-given responsibility of guiding younger generations. He prayed that God would continue to raise elders who counsel with integrity, nurture families with love, pray for their communities and preserve moral values within society.

 

Using a traditional story about a king who banished all elderly persons from his kingdom, Bishop Badejo vividly demonstrated that experience remains indispensable. The kingdom eventually faced an impossible challenge until a hidden old man provided the wisdom that saved everyone, leading to the king realizing that no society can thrive without the guidance of its elders.

 

From the story, the Bishop drew a practical lesson: education and youthful strength are valuable, but experience provides the perspective needed to navigate life's most difficult situations. Echoing the Yoruba proverb, "A child may have as many clothes as an elder, but can never have as many rags," he reminded the congregation that while knowledge may be acquired in classrooms, experience is earned through the journey of life.

 

Addressing younger members of the Church, Bishop Badejo encouraged them to honour, support and care for elderly persons within their families, communities and parishes. He reminded them that many of today's elders sacrificed greatly to raise children, build families, strengthen communities and establish the Church they now enjoy.

 

He equally recalled the tradition of younger generations serving older persons through acts of charity and practical assistance, emphasizing that sincere blessings received from grateful elders remain powerful expressions of God's favour. Repeatedly reminding the congregation that "what you sow is what you reap," he urged everyone to invest in compassion, service and respect for the elderly while they still have the opportunity.

 

The Bishop also commended members of the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) who recently participated in the cleaning of the Cathedral, encouraging every parishioner to become an active contributor to the life and mission of the Church rather than remaining passive observers. Reiterating the familiar saying, "Where there is a will, there is a way," he challenged the faithful to embrace service with commitment and dedication.

 

Following the homily, the elderly members of the Cathedral community were specially celebrated and honoured for their years of faithful witness and service. They received gifts from the Bishop and other benefactors of the Diocese in appreciation of their sacrifices, commitment and enduring contributions to the growth of the Church.

 

Another significant moment during the Eucharistic celebration was the blessing and prayer over members of the Blue Army of Mary Society by Bishop Badejo. He encouraged young people and young married couples to embrace Marian devotion by becoming active members of the association, assuring them that sincere devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary continually leads believers closer to Christ and enriches their spiritual lives.

 

In his remarks, the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka, joined the Bishop in celebrating the elderly, acknowledging their immeasurable contributions to the Church, families and society. He also encouraged parishioners to participate actively in the Blue Army of Mary Society, informing the congregation that the association holds its weekly meetings every Monday at 4:00 p.m.

 

The Eucharistic celebration concluded with prayers for all elderly persons throughout the Diocese and the Nation, asking God to continue granting them good health, strength, peace and joy in their later years. As the Diocese celebrated its elders, the day's message echoed beyond the Cathedral walls: experience, nurtured through faith and years of faithful living, remains one of humanity's greatest treasures and an indispensable gift to both the Church and society.