Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

Christ the King Catholic Church Odo Ona, Ibadan, was filled with joy and spiritual fervor on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as parishioners gathered for a special Confirmation Mass.

 

The Mass, officiated by the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin, was a landmark event that coincided with a momentous day for the universal Church: the canonization of Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis in Rome by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.

 

The atmosphere was one of great anticipation and reverence from the start. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ajewole, warmly welcomed the Archbishop, expressing the parish's profound gratitude for his presence and pastoral care. After the Gospel reading, Father Ajewole presented the 110 catechumens to the Archbishop, who were filled with eager expectation to receive the sacrament and be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Archbishop Abegunrin Urges Newly Confirmed to Be True Disciples

In his powerful homily, Archbishop Abegunrin spoke directly to the hearts of the congregation, emphasizing the profound significance of Confirmation. He reminded them that the sacrament marks a new and vital stage of spiritual growth. "Receiving Confirmation means you become adults in faith," he stated, clarifying that this maturity is not about age but a deepening of one's commitment to Christ.

 

The Archbishop challenged the newly confirmed to be true disciples of Jesus, distinguishing themselves between a mere follower and a true disciple. He explained that a disciple "listens to, obeys, and does what the master says," and that a true disciple doesn't just go to Church on Sundays but lives out their faith every day of the week. He urged them to be examples of Christ through their character and way of life, quoting St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words."

 

He also encouraged the young people to be proactive and engaged members of the Church, highlighting the importance of being both focused and disciplined. The Archbishop urged them to actively read and study the teachings of the Church, not just for knowledge but for a deeper understanding of Christ and the sacraments. "Your whole heart is a Bible, your personality is a Bible that people should be able to read and copy," he passionately added. He implored them to be active in their parish and the wider Church, to volunteer their time and talents, and to protect and cherish the Church as their own.

 

A Call to Action and Continued Spiritual Growth                   

Archbishop Abegunrin also touched on practical aspects of their faith journey. He encouraged the newly confirmed to be equipped for their spiritual lives by owning and reading a Bible and a rosary, and to make use of the many resources available to deepen their knowledge of the Church. He warned against distractions that pull them away from their spiritual duties, urging them to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else. He underscored the idea that the Catholic Church is one global family, and that as members, they should feel at home in any Catholic Church they enter, anywhere in the world.

 

The Mass concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council. He expressed the parish's profound appreciation to the Archbishop for his pastoral visit, his inspiring words, and his unwavering love and continuous support for the parish community. The newly confirmed members, now empowered as adults in faith, left the Church with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to go out and be active witnesses of Christ in the world.