Vincent OBANIYI (SCC, Oyo Diocese)

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo joyfully celebrated the Priestly Anniversary of four of her priests: the 25th Anniversary of Rev. Frs. Michael Falade and Jerome Ogunleye, alongside the 10th Anniversary of Rev. Frs. Stephen Kolawole Oguntoye and Matthew Olom Ijuo.

The Thanksgiving Mass and Reception which was held on Friday, the 29th day of August at Christ the King Catholic Church, Isokun, Oyo, witnessed the gathering Bishops, Priests, Religious, Seminarians, and Lay faithful, in an atmosphere of gratitude, prayer, and joyful testimonies.

 

The Homilist; Very Rev. Fr. Francis Eyinade, in his homily, expressed profound gratitude to the priests celebrating their anniversaries, commending their great works in the Diocese, especially in the rural and remote areas where they have labored tirelessly. He acknowledged the souls won for Christ, the countless prayers offered for distressed parishioners, the penances and fasting undertaken on behalf of the faithful, and the sacrifices made even when good intentions were misunderstood and rejected.

 

He particularly noted the times the priests went beyond their comfort zones to resolve pressing Church matters, the efforts they made in soliciting support for parish needs, and the dedication shown even when celebrating Mass in moments of great exhaustion. He emphasized that the Diocese remains deeply grateful for their resilience and devotion.

 

The homilist highlighted the importance of celebrating priestly anniversaries, noting that being a priest for even one year is not easy, let alone 10 or 25 years. He encouraged the faithful to always thank God on behalf of priests, while urging the celebrants to use the occasion as an opportunity to reflect and renew the promises they made during ordination.

 

Making reference to St. Ignatius of Antioch, he reminded them: “Pay full regards to your mission, if you wish God to pay regards to you.” He also drew inspiration from the popular footballer Yaya Touré’s words on perfection: “Years of practice and lots of practice” and related this to the priesthood, stressing that daily Mass, pilgrimages, and pastoral programs are what perfect the priest in his priestly vocation.

 

With regards to the Jubilee of Hope, he recalled the words of Pope Leo XIII during the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: “Our hope is grounded in the knowledge that the Lord never abandons us, He is always by our side.” He urged all present to cooperate with God in their journey of faith.

 

He concluded the homily with prayers for the celebrants and all the faithful that God continues to grant them grace and strength in their mission.

 

In his vote of thanks, Fr. Anthony Adepoju, Chairman Organising committee for the celebration, thanked God  for making the day a reality and the Bishops present for their goodwill. He then proceeded, outlining the order of program for the other part of the celebration.

On behalf of all the celebrants, Rev. Fr. Matthew Ijuo gave his gesture of profound gratitude to God, the Bishops, Brother Priests, Religious, Seminarians, Families, Parishioners, and Friends, praying for God’s abundant blessings upon all who have supported them to reach this feat.

 

Voicing the Celebrants:

Fr. Michael Falade recalled his journey from the early Dominican beginnings to service in Oyo Diocese, noting that God’s grace has sustained him through every challenge.

 

Fr. Jerome Ogunleye stressed that priesthood is purely the work of divine grace, urging young Catholics to remain humble, obedient, and persevering.

 

Fr. Stephen Kolawole Oguntoye, as Diocesan Youth Chaplain, encouraged young people to hold firmly to their Catholic identity and live with purpose.

 

Fr. Matthew Olom Ijuo described his Priestly Ministry across the Diocese as enriching, filled with both challenges and God’s providential support.

 

In his remarks, Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo expressed gratitude to Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan Archdiocese and Bishop John Oyejola of Osogbo Diocese for honoring the occasion. He praised the celebrants for their humility and priestly devotion, reminding the faithful that anniversaries are not only milestones but also reminders of God’s faithfulness. The Bishop also reflected on the Church’s responsibility for creation care and emphasized the need to support the youth in their vocations.

 

The Faithful in Voice:

 

The Lay Faithful also joined in thanksgiving as Mr. Zaccheus Oluwasanjo described the celebrants as true spiritual leaders, while Mr. John Paul lauded their humility and dedication, particularly Fr. Oguntoye’s youth ministry. Mrs. Odejobi Rita-Faustina offered prayers of gratitude for their service, asking God to strengthen them in their mission.

 

The celebration concluded with prayers for God’s continued blessings on the jubilarians, their ministry, and the entire Diocese of Oyo.