Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

“Oluwasanmi @60, ‘Olorun, Ogo ni fun oruko Re’ (To God be the Glory). This is the day the Lord has made and I am grateful to Him. How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me in this 60 years on earth? On this happy day, I welcome our Baba, Grandpa, Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job. His Grace, Archbishop Abegunrin will soon join us. One of our priests lost his brother yesterday and the burial is this morning. As a good Pastor and Father, he came to me last night and apologized that he has to go for the burial but immediately after the burial, he would join us. I welcome my brother priests, Rev. Srs. and all of you present on this happy occasion. May His goodness, kindness, mercy and love be with you all the days of your life.”

Above were the opening words of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Gregory Oluwasanmi Oyelami during his 60th Birthday Thanksgiving Mass, organized by St. Kizito Parish in honour of their Parish priest and the Vicar General of Ibadan Archdiocese on Saturday 9th August 2025 at St. Kizito Catholic Church, Oluyole, Ibadan.

In attendance at the thanksgiving Mass were Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job, Msgrs Joseph Idowu and Theophilus[WU1]  Fadeyi, Priests, Religious, Celebrant’s daddy and family members, Knights, lay Organizations, friends and parishioners of St. Kizito parish.

The homilist, Rev. Fr. Patrick Omidiran reflected on ‘birthday’ which he described as a special occasion to give thanks to God, to reflect on the past and express gratitude for God’s blessings.

Fr. Omidiran stated that every moment of existence is a gift from God and that acknowledging God enables us to recognize the life He has given to us. However, it is not everyone that appreciates God for such gift like it was read in the Gospel for the celebration (Luke 17:11-19), in which only one leper, out of ten cleansed, returned to appreciate God. Many, according to the homilist did not see the reason to thank God, “but this foreigner, Fr. Greg, has come back to thank God.” The priest remarked.

The priest, who recalled how the Celebrant was given birth to, sixty years ago, his diaconate ordination in Italy on 1st February 1992 and his priestly ordination on 15th August 1992 at St. Mary Catholic Cathedral, added that he (Fr. Greg) will soon celebrate his 33rd priestly ordination anniversary with his colleagues.

Fr. Omidiran commended the celebrant for having touched people’s life in all the places he has worked and thanked God for making it possible for the celebrant to witness this great day, in spite of ups and downs in this 60 years.

The homilist enjoined the celebrant never to dwell more on the past but be focused more on the future, having reached the age of directing others in life based on his experience. “May this diamond age be the beginning of good things, sustains you and may you never regret staying with the Lord, happy celebration.” Fr. Omidiran concluded.

The Parish Laity Council President, Mrs Toyin Adeyemi also delivered a speech, extolling the celebrant for his integrity, dedication, humility and selflessness. “St. Kizito has flourished under his leadership not only in physical structure but also spiritually. His impacts not confined to the parish alone but also across the Archdiocese,” Mrs Adeyemi stated.

After a special birthday thanksgiving by the celebrant, Fr. Oyelami appreciated everyone present. With joy in his heart, the celebrant recalled three important moments of his life: How he was miraculously given birth to at St. Mary’s Hospital, Eleta, 60 years ago; how in August 1995, he was taken to Italy by the then Fr. Joseph Kehinde Idowu which he described as a journey of uncountable blessings and how on 15th August 1992, he was ordained a priest by Baba Alaba Job.

Fr. Oyelami also showered encomiums on St. Kizito parish, which he described as a family parish and recommended the parish to all as worthy of emulating. He equally appreciated the homilist, Mr Clement and Mrs Tokunbo Ojo and all individuals and corporate organizations that have been assisting the parish in one way or the other.

The birthday Cleric thanked his daddy (also present) and remembered his late mother, Mrs Theresa Abake and at the same time apologized to those that were not informed of the birthday celebration. He did not forget his brother priests, family members, friends, lay organizations and every one present.

Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin on arrival also apologized for coming late due to another function at St. Jude, Iwo Road. He appreciated everyone present and also recalled the time spent together at the university with the celebrant.

His Grace thanked Baba Oyelami, even as he thanked the celebrant for his loyalty and love since 2014 he has been working with him. “He is also in charge of the priests and did a lot of cover-up for me and carries a lot of burdens as the Vicar General.” His Grace stated. The Prelate equally appreciated the parish for her care and support, in spite of the ongoing project in the parish.

The second part of the celebration which was chaired by Sir Kingsley A. KSJI was held in the parish hall, where guests were entertained, PMS children performed, gifts were presented to the celebrant and birthday cake was cut by the celebrant, supported by dignitaries in attendance. It was indeed a unique occasion.

 

 

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