John Kayode AYODELE

As part of the activities marking the Jubilee Year 2025 and the Annual Ekiti Diocesan Laity Retreat, the members of the Council, on Saturday September 6, 2025 embarked on a Pilgrimage Walk of Faith to the Diocesan Pilgrimage Centre, Holy Family Catholic Church, Ado-Ekiti.

This Spiritual exercise with the Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope; Exploring the richness of our Catholic Faith and Tradition” underscores the strength of the Laity Council in Ekiti Diocese under the leadership of Prof. Francis Ibimiluyi.

 

The Pilgrims Walk of faith, led by the Diocesan Laity Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Anthony Idowu Bankole and his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Patrick Sunday Ayemowa started with a penitential service at St. Mary Catholic Church, Irona, Ado-Ekiti at 8:30am after which the pilgrims proceeded to the Diocesan Pilgrimage Centre.

 

In his words, the Retreat Director, Rev. Fr. Patrick Sunday Ayemowa encouraged the Pilgrims, not to give up on their Catholic faith irrespective of the challenges they are facing. He laid emphasis on the celebration of Holy Mass, Sacraments, Stations of the Cross, Scriptures, Rosary, Adoration and confessions as some of the things that constitute the richness of our faith as Catholics.

“May I recommend that at each Mass you attend, endeavour to sit with those you bear grudges with, so as to reconcile with them during the Kiss of Peace.” Fr. Ayemowa charged the pilgrims.

In another development, Sir. Prof. Pius Idowu Ade-Ojo KSS handled the health Talk section where he spoke on “Interplay Nature and Nurture in determining the healthy living and longevity.

Citing the Parables in the Gospel of Matthew 13:25-30, Prof. Ade-Ojo encouraged the Pilgrims to keep exercising their body and allow nature to take its place. He stressed that relaxation is the key to longevity. Hence, the need to cultivate the habit of relaxing is necessary. He further recommended that the pilgrims should stay away from Messianic complex, as those who work with their hearts die earlier than those who work with their brain.

Among other Officers that attended the programme are the Ekiti Diocesan Pastoral Council, Sir. B. A. Ogunsina, Deanery Laity Presidents across the Diocese, Presidents of the Sodalities in the Diocese, Parish Laity Presidents, Medical Practitioners, Security Agencies and Media Practitioners.