The Chief Shepherd of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has charged the laity in the Archdiocese to do a bit more without anybody asking. The Archbishop said this in his remarks during the Cathedraticum Mass of Oke-Padi Deanery, held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Oke-Padi, on Wednesday, 9th April, 2025.

According to His Grace, a lot of things are lacking in the Archdiocese which is not supposed to be as the Head of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan. He recalled his efforts when he newly assumed office as the Archbishop of Ibadan eleven years ago to ensure that the Pastoral Institute (PI) was not taken away from the Archdiocese and therefore admonished all for a change of attitude before a new Archbishop takes over, having submitted his retirement letter after clocking the age of seventy five.

“I know what other Dioceses are doing. We are lacking so many things in this Archdiocese, only that my priests put on my nature; simplicity, hence, not complaining and even give out of the little they have to the poor. My brother priests, maybe we should change our way, talk to your parishes.”

Nevertheless, the Archbishop commended the laity for their efforts but urged them to do a bit more. “There used to be complaint about means of attending programs by lay organizations. Also, only two groups showed concern to support the Archdiocese with token for the burial of Late Rev. Fr. Anthony Akiwowo that took place yesterday, which is not good. Let us support our priests. Not only the priests, let us support one another too. Doing charity without feeling it is not charity but removing excesses. May be because I was too quite you think I don’t need anything. I pity you too. I know what you are passing through as parents because I have been sponsoring some students too.”

Continuing, His Grace said: “The house at Onireke needs to be pulled down and re-built before the next Archbishop comes. You didn’t give me any vehicle since I came. Let us try to give the new Archbishop something when he comes. Begin to volunteer now. Discuss this in your societies and do whatever you want to do through your priests.”

Archbishop Abegunrin, however, thanked all for attending the Oke-Padi Deanery Cathedraticum in large number and was also pleased with the sitting arrangement during the celebration; how people sat together without leaving empty pews in-between them. He appealed that such continues.

Earlier, the Dean of Oke-Padi Deanery, who is also the Pastoral Secretary of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade had welcomed the Archbishop, the Vicar General, other Vicars, the Chancellor, the Deans, Monsignori, Priests, Religious, Parishes in the Deanery and all lay organizations for attending the celebration in large number, notwithstanding the early morning down-pour.

Rev. Fr. Patrick Odediran in his homily also welcomed all and emphasized on the need to say ‘thank you, Lord’ in every situation and also appealed to all never to allow anything get them depressed.

Fr. Odediran, who titled his reflection: “Understanding and appreciating Cathedraticum in the Catholic Church” gave a brief history of Cathedraticum and why it is important to celebrate it.

According to him, celebrating Cathedraticum has both moral and spiritual benefits since participation and attendance afford the laity an opportunity to support our Chief Shepherd in his apostolic work of charity. “As members of Christ’s people, we share in the work of our Bishop. We are people of hope, faith and trust like it was exhibited in the day’s first reading by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.” He assured all that charity done will surely be rewarded greatly.

Rev. Frs: Charles Onyema and Gabriel Azeez coordinated the thanksgiving, which started from the Deanery Dean’s Parish, St. Jude, Iwo Road and ended with St. Mary’s Cathedral. The Archbishop prayed and blessed all before all the parishes and lay organizations danced forward with joy to offer their gifts. It was indeed really wonderful.

Vote of thanks was done by Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade, who was surprised at the turn-out despite the change in date for the Cathedraticum from 8th to 9th April as a result of the burial of Late Rev. Fr. Anthony Oyedamola Akiwowo, the Director of Social Communications of Ibadan Archdiocese and the immediate past Editor of the Catholic weekly Independent, who died on 29th March 2025 and was buried on 8th April, 2025.