As the 2025 Cathedraticum across the eight Deaneries came to an end with the Bodija Deanery Cathedraticum, held at Church of Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan; Rev. Fr. Anthony Ogunyale has charged the laity to understand that stewardship is a shared responsibility, like it was exhibited by the early Christians and not that of the leaders only,

In a brief homily at the event, the homilist said the same way the Seat of St. Peter is celebrated, so also the lay faithful must celebrate our Archbishop in the Cathedraticum, to support his apostolic work of charity, by giving thanks to God to express our gratitude.

Fr. Ogunyale reminded all that our Archbishop is a gift to all, since the Church is not just the physical structure but family of God bonded together in faith. “It is a general call to all of us. A call to generosity. So, I urge you to give generously out of love and gratitude as a sign of our faith and testament of our commitment to the Church.”

Earlier, the Dean of Bodija Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Akinbinu has welcomed His Grace, saying “Baba, E kaabo and E ku ile” at the same time. The Dean also welcomed all the Deans, Monsignori, Priests, Religious, Parishes in the Deanery and Lay Organizations. He also introduced all the Deans in the Archdiocese.

Rev. Fr. Peace Jemibor coordinated the order of thanksgiving after His Grace had prayed and blessed all. The vote of thanks was done by the Dean, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Akinbinu at the end of the celebration.

The Archbishop in his response also appreciated everyone present, the Host Parish, Dean and other Deans for going with him to all the Deaneries’ Cathedraticum; priests, Religious, Parishes and all lay organizations in the Archdiocese.

Archbishop Abegunrin described Church of Ascension Parish as one of the most beautiful and precious parishes in the Archdiocese. He commended the parish’s charity works to the poor and what the parish’s CWO has been doing to him personally. ‘It was built with people’s sweat and that love remains till date.” His Grace said of the parish and admonished all other parishes to emulate it.

His Grace, like he has done in other places also reminded that the Archdiocese of Ibadan is lacking many things. That the Archdiocese takes a lot for granted because he is not a complaining type. “Only Archdiocese of Ibadan does not have Pastoral Centre in the Province” He said. He therefore appealed thus: “We should begin a new house foundation for the coming Archbishop. You have people from different places in the Archdiocese and wherever you are is your home. Let us try a bit more.” His Grace urged.

Group photographs were taken after the Mass as well as distribution of foods and drinks.