Bisola Henrietta, AJIFOWOWE

 

St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan, celebrated a special moment of joy and thanksgiving on Sunday, 9th August 2026, as the parish welcomed and honoured two of her sons, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ikechukwu, OP, and Rev. Fr. Charles Albeze, OP, following their ordination to the Dominican Order. The two priests were ordained on 18th July 2026, marking a new chapter in their service to God and the Church. Their ordination brought joy to their families, friends, parishioners and the wider Catholic community. 

For St. Gabriel Parish, the occasion held a special meaning. The parish watched two young men grow in faith and respond to the call to priestly and religious life. Their vocation also gave the parish another reason to pray for more young people who will answer God's call to serve the Church.

The thanksgiving celebration took place during a special Mass at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola. Parishioners gathered to give thanks for the gift of the two priests and to pray for strength and wisdom as they begin their ministry. The celebration also marked the end of Youth Week and the beginning of Family Week at the parish. The timing allowed young people and families to reflect on vocation, faith, family support, and service to the Church.

Rev. Fr. Raphael Ikechukwu, OP, and Rev. Fr. Charles Albeze, OP, expressed gratitude for the prayers and support they received from their families, parish community, friends, and members of the Church. Their journey to the priesthood also reminds families of the role they play in supporting vocations. A child's decision to serve God often grows within a home where prayer, discipline, love, and faith receive attention. After the Thanksgiving Mass, a mini reception was held for close family members and relatives. The gathering provided an opportunity for the families to celebrate together and share the joy of the occasion.

For St. Gabriel Catholic Church, the celebration was more than a thanksgiving for two newly ordained priests. It was also a celebration of family, faith, vocation, and the parish community. As the two priests begin their ministry, parishioners continue to pray for them and for the grace to serve God's people with humility, courage, and fidelity. The parish celebration ended with gratitude and joy, with the hope that the story of Rev. Fr. Raphael Ikechukwu, OP, and Rev. Fr. Charles Albeze, OP, will encourage more young people to listen to God's call and consider a life of service to the Church.