The Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke – Ado, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Benedict Ugwoegbu has reminded Catholic faithful of the need to be generous to the Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; for it is in doing so, that they can make the Archbishop happy. The priest said this during his reflection at the Oke – Ado Deanery Cathedraticum hosted by Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Felele, on Thursday 10th April, 2025.

Present at the Celebration were the Archbishop and the Chief Celebrant, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin; Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami; the Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade; the Chancellor for the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade; Dean of Oke Ado Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Oniseitan as well as Deans of other Deaneries in the Archdiocese; Monsignori; Priests; Parishes in the Deanery and Lay Organizations.

All present were welcomed to the celebration by the Dean of Oke – Ado, Fr. Oniseitan, who thanked the Archbishop for the reconstruction of Ibadan Archdiocese into eight Deaneries and as well appreciated the Host Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Darlington Agubosim for hosting the celebration. The Dean also charged the faithful to offer tangible gifts with cheerfulness, for the Archbishop to be able to do charity work.

Rev. Fr. Benedict Ugwoegbu in his homily highlighted the heavy and dangerous loads laid on the Archbishop such as many projects begging for execution, many people out there to help, many things in the Archdiocese to do etc. He added, however, that though the power is there but where is the means? Hence, the need to support the Archbishop in the work of evangelization.

The homilist made it clear that a times the Archbishop may be laughing but something is bothering him, hence he explained the meaning of Cathedraticum, which is an annual event to support His Grace to do charity and also assured the Archbishop thus: “Baba, thank you. We will never seize to pray for you by the grace of God, Amen.”

Fr. Ugwoegbu also explained that Cathedraticum is Biblical, looking at the lives of the first believers in the Scripture as well as cultural, hence, ‘Ojude Oba’ to celebrate Awujale in Ijebu Land; Turban festival to celebrate the Emir in the North and ‘Ofala’ festival annually celebrated in the East in honour of ‘Obi’. The priest added that people often prepared very well for those festivals and wish that henceforth, Catholic faithful will also prepare very well for the celebration of Cathedraticum subsequently; for rejoicing and supporting the person God has placed before us is one of the ways to repay the Lord for His goodness to us. More so, that this year is Jubilee Year of Hope, the priest urged the faithful never to lose hope but to trust in God.

The Chaplain of the Deanery, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun coordinated the order of thanksgiving with St. Joseph, Oke - Ado setting the ball rolling and concluded with the Laity. His Grace prayed and blessed all before the thanksgiving proper. The Chaplain also gave vote of thanks at the end.

The Archbishop in his remarks thanked all, beginning from the Host Parish Priest for the development in the parish, the Dean of Oke - Ado and other Deans, Priests, Religious and Lay organizations.

His Grace disclosed that his 75th birthday is a sign of ‘step-down’ and so urged that the Archdiocese gets prepared for the new Archbishop better than it prepared for him. (Similar appeal was made during Oke - Padi Deanery Cathedraticum held the previous day at St. Mary’s Cathedral).

His Grace added that he prays that foundation of a new Archbishop’s house be laid before he leaves and also commended Church of ascension for its generosity to the poor.

After the final blessing, there was snapping of group photographs and distribution of snacks and drinks.