Michael OKEOLA

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo on Friday, August 28, 2026, celebrated the 25th Silver Priestly Ordination Anniversary of Very Rev. Fr. John Folasayo Opoola and the 10th Priestly Ordination Anniversaries of Rev. Fr. Joachim Taiwo Alade and Rev. Fr. Francis Ogunsola.

The thanksgiving celebration, held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Isalu, Iseyin, Oyo State, commenced at 10:00 a.m. and was presided over by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo.

The celebration brought together priests, religious, seminarians, catechists, family members, friends and the faithful from different communities and dioceses. Among those present were 47 priests, 12 seminarians and 17 catechists.

Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Franscis Olufunmilayo welcomed the congregation and reflected on the nature of priesthood as a life of selfless service and dedication to God and His people. Drawing from Hebrews 5:1–2, he explained that a priest is chosen from among the people to serve as a bridge between humanity and God.

He further emphasized that priesthood is a merciful gift from God and a call to holiness. He encouraged priests to bring people closer to God while remaining committed to prayer, obedience, virtue and service to the Church.

Reflecting on the responsibilities of priests, he urged them to spend quality time with God, including regular Eucharistic adoration, to be careful with their words and actions, to work closely with the Church and to remain obedient to legitimate Church authority.

Addressing the jubilarians, Fr. Olufunmilayo expressed appreciation to Fr. John Opoola for his brotherly disposition and encouraged him to continue his good work. He also commended Fr. Joachim Alade for his quiet and understanding nature, while appreciating Fr. Francis Ogunsola for his sense of responsibility. He encouraged all the three priests to remain available and faithful wherever the Church assigns them.

The homilist also reminded the congregation of Christ's teaching that He is the vine and His followers are the branches, urging everyone to submit themselves completely to God's will and never despise any task entrusted to them.

During the thanksgiving session, a collection was made in support of vocations. The Master of Ceremonies, Fr. Irekiigbe John, welcomed Oba Tasheed Akintola, the Abolorín of Aiyetoro, and acknowledged guests who had travelled from different dioceses, as well as members of the families of the three jubilarians.

In his Vote of Thanks, Rev. Fr. Joachim Taiwo Alade expressed gratitude to God and thanked Bishop Badejo for his presence and support. He also appreciated the priests, religious, traditional ruler, families of the jubilarians, friends and the parish community for their contributions towards the success of the celebration.

Speaking at the occasion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo thanked all who attended the celebration and reflected on the feast of St. Augustine, whose life, according to the Bishop, offers important lessons for Christians, particularly young people.

The Bishop encouraged the youth to learn from St. Augustine's journey and to recognize the role of God's grace in their lives. He stressed that awareness of God's grace should inspire people to be trustworthy, diligent and committed to their responsibilities.

Bishop Badejo also described the priestly vocation as a call to confirmation, while appreciating the catechists, religious, families of the jubilarians and all who have supported the priests throughout their years of ministry.

He expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Benedict Joshua Toba, the organizing committee and the choir for their contributions to the celebration, praying that the Church would continue to witness many more years of fruitful ministry and joyful anniversaries.

The anniversary celebration was ultimately a thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and for the years of dedicated priestly service rendered by Fr. John Folasayo Opoola, Fr. Joachim Taiwo Alade and Fr. Francis Ogunsola to the Church and the people of God.