Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo has concluded the activities marking the 25th Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) and the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) with a series of spiritual, missionary, educational and family-centred activities held in Oyo. The celebration, which brought together children, parents, priests, religious, catechists, missionaries, youth and other faithful, was held under the theme “We Are One in Christ” (Galatians 3:28).

The programme began with the arrival of the children and delegates at St. Francis Catholic Nursery and Primary School, Kosobo, Off Akínmorin Road, Oyo. Following their arrival, the participants gathered for the Mission Rosary, praying for the intentions of children around the world.

The second day of the celebration began with a profound moment of Eucharistic adoration and prayer. The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Peter Ojeniyi, followed by the Enthronement of the Bible, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Solomon Oke.

The seminar sessions followed the spiritual activities, with Rev. Sr. Caroline Adebayo, SSMA, delivering the first talk. She spoke extensively about the history, foundation and growth of the Holy Childhood Association, explaining how the association was established and how it has developed into an important missionary association within the Church.

Rev. Sr. Caroline emphasized that children are not too young to become missionaries, explaining that children can participate meaningfully in the mission of the Church through prayer, sacrifice, generosity, good works and concern for other children.

She encouraged the participants to understand that they are not merely recipients of missionary formation but active participants in the mission of Christ. She reminded them that their homes, schools, parishes and communities are places where they can witness to the Gospel through the way they live.

 

Rev. Sr. Caroline further spoke about young saints and young witnesses to the Christian faith, reminding the children that holiness is not restricted by age.

The next presentation was delivered by Rev. Fr. Victor John Awilgba, Director of PMS, Ijebu-Ode, who took the participants through the history and beginnings of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith (POF).

He narrated the story of Pauline Jaricot, born in France in 1799, and explained how her concern for missionary work led her to mobilize her friends to contribute towards supporting the work of the Church.

Fr. Victor also introduced the participants to the Young Missionary Movement (YOMM), explaining its development in Nigeria and its focus on young people between the ages of 14 and 25. He highlighted its role in helping young people become more active in the missionary life of the Church.

To strengthen communication among the young missionaries, he also created a platform for them and encouraged the participants to ensure that the movement is properly established and sustained in their respective Churches.

The children also received a practical and important presentation on children's rights and child abuse from Mrs. Bewlah Anonigh. She explained that every child has fundamental rights that must be respected and protected.

Mrs. Anonigh further addressed the issue of child abuse, describing it as the misuse or harmful treatment of children. She identified physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and child labour as some of its forms.

The session equipped the children with practical knowledge about their dignity, rights and personal safety while reminding parents, caregivers and the wider community of their responsibility to protect children.

The seminar also received representatives of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of the Diocese, represented by Mrs. Juliana Akinrinlo, Vice President and Mrs. Adedeji Elizabeth, Assistant Secretary. The delegates delivered a message of goodwill from the mothers of the Diocese.

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, also visited the children during the programme and spent time with them. His presence further encouraged the participants and demonstrated the Diocese's pastoral concern for the children and the missionary formation of the younger generation.

The HCA Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Solomon Oke, expressed appreciation to the Bishop for taking the time to be present with the children and for his continued support for the activities of the Holy Childhood Association.

 

There was a Holy Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo and Chief Celebrant. At the beginning of the celebration, the Bishop reminded the congregation that the Church was celebrating the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In his homily, Bishop Badejo emphasized the close relationship between the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ. He stressed that every celebration of Mary ultimately points towards Jesus, noting that “wherever you see Mary, you see Jesus.”

The Bishop reminded the children of the importance of being good children of Mary and explained that those who are children of Mary are also children of Jesus because Mary's entire life and mission point towards her Son. Following the homily, the enrolment of new HCA members took place.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Rev. Fr. F. Oke, the HCA Coordinator, thanked the Dean of the Diocese, the religious sisters, particularly Rev. Sr. Consolata Famoyinbo, OSF, the DHS Sisters, the communications team and Bishop Badejo for their presence, support and encouragement. A cake-cutting ceremony and photographs followed.

The final day brought the celebration to the Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Cathedral, Oyo, where the Diocese celebrated the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the 25th anniversary of the Holy Childhood Association, the Family Thanksgiving, the re-launch of the Young Missionary Movement, and the 10th priestly anniversaries of Rev. Fr. Joachim Alade and Rev. Fr. Francis Ogunsola.

The Closing Mass commenced at 9:00 a.m. and was presided over by Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo. He was joined by Monsignor Anthony Akin Olawumi, Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka, Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Solomon Oke, Rev. Fr. Peter Ojeniyi, Rev. Fr. Joachim Alade, Rev. Fr. Francis Ogunsola and Rev. Fr. Sylvester Akinwole.

In his homily, Fr. Alade described the celebration as particularly significant for him as he marked his 10th anniversary of priestly ordination. He reflected on his priestly journey and the blessings he had received through the Church, encouraging the children and young people not to limit themselves but to remain open to God's call.

Speaking about the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Fr. Alade presented Mary as a model of faith, obedience and complete openness to God's will. He explained that Mary's Assumption points believers towards the ultimate Christian hope of being with God in heaven.

Reflecting on the HCA's 25-year journey, he encouraged the children to put into practice everything they had learnt during the seminar, especially the call to truthfulness, good living and witnessing to Christ.

The 10th priestly anniversaries of Rev. Fr. Joachim Alade and Rev. Fr. Francis Ogunsola were also celebrated as part of the day's thanksgiving.

As part of the anniversary celebration, awards of recognition were presented to individuals who had contributed to the growth and activities of the Holy Childhood Association.

The re-launch of the Young Missionary Movement (YOMM) was another major highlight of the closing ceremony. Rev. Fr. Solomon Oke announced the re-launch and presented the new leadership of the movement.

Adeyanju Margaret Mary of Ogbomoso emerged as President, while Adebayo Emmanuel of Akinmorin was selected as Vice President, alongside other members of the leadership team. The new leaders were presented by Fr. Paul Oke, while Rev. Fr. Peter Ojeniyi led the prayer for them.

In his remarks, Bishop Badejo expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and commended the organizers, priests, religious, parents, children, youth, volunteers and all who contributed to the programme.

 

The Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka, also expressed appreciation to the men, women, youth, children, priests, religious and all participants who supported the celebration. Mrs. Felicia Agboola also expressed gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the celebration.

The programme came to a fitting conclusion with the final blessing imparted by Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, after which the faithful departed the Cathedral with renewed gratitude to God.