Recollection Media Team

With the conclusion of their two months pastoral and apostolic experiences in various parishes across the Archdiocese on Sunday, 30th August, the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Ibadan gathered from 30th August to 2nd September at St. Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan.

The recollection brought together the seminarians and members of the Vocation Team for a meaningful period of prayer, reflection, evaluation, spiritual renewal, and fraternal relaxation following a demanding academic and formative year. The gathering, like the previous recollections, expressed in a profound way the words of our Lord to His disciples in Mark 6:31: “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.” It provided the seminarians with an opportunity to step away from the demands of formation, reflect on their experiences, renew their relationship with God, and strengthen their commitment to the call to priestly ministry.

Throughout the gathering, the seminarians participated in Holy Mass, conferences, games, social gatherings, and other activities. One of the highlights was a talk given by one of the newly ordained priests of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Fadoyin, who spoke on the three Evangelical Counsels. The seminarians also gave reports on their pastoral experiences in the various parishes to which they were assigned. Reports were equally presented on the vocation rallies held across the different deaneries of the Archdiocese.

The recollection also provided an opportunity for the seminarians to share their experiences, challenges, and lessons from their pastoral engagements. These moments of sharing and evaluation helped them to appreciate more deeply the importance of pastoral experience in their journey of formation.

During the course of the recollection, the Vocation Team encouraged the seminarians to remain steadfast in their vocation, persevere in their formation, and continually make themselves available to God’s will and purpose for their lives. They were reminded that the journey to the priesthood requires patience, discipline, prayer, openness, and a willingness to allow God to work in their lives.

The recollection also served as a reminder that priestly formation is not merely an academic journey, but a lifelong response to God’s call. It requires a constant willingness to grow, to be formed, to be corrected, and to continually seek God’s will.

The gathering came to an end with renewed spiritual strength, deeper fraternal bonds, and a stronger commitment among the seminarians to continue their journey of formation and prepare themselves generously for service to God and His Church.