Dotun LOKOSU

The Catholic Men Organization (CMO) of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ilupeju, Bodija Expressway, Ibadan, Oyo state commenced the New Year on a Prayerful & Spiritual note on Saturday, January 10th, 2026. The general theme of the Retreat is "Let Us begin the New Year with the Lord" the Ilupeju Men were joined by their Eleta counterparts while the spiritual exercise took place at the Archdiocesan Marian Grotto, Eleta. The Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and Director of the Marian Grotto, Eleta Very Rev. Fr. Felix Adedigba was the Retreat Master joined by Very Rev. Msgr. Peter Otubusin, resident priest and Chaplain to the St Mary's Hospital.

The Retreat featured examination of conscience, Rosary procession with hymns, spiritual talk with Questions and Answers, sacrament of reconciliation, intercessory prayers, silent meditations, stations of the Cross with special intentions for the Men, their families, businesses, work and finances, good health and Long Life. The Elderly men of 70 years and above were called out to Pray for the younger men while representatives of the younger men too came out to Pray for the Elders.

The spiritual talk with the theme "Men take possession of your possessions" was delivered by Fr. Adedigba where he told the men to work because it's good and God ordained it, but that they should not become slaves of work, they should take time out to look back, reflect and re-energize for future growth and progress. The Priest prayed for the men to enjoy peace in their old age. He highlighted four Biblical Roles of Fathers as spiritual leaders and teachers, providers and protectors, (1 Timothy 5 V 8), Loving disciplinarians and that they should be examples of God's character, men should Love care and encourage their families.

The Priest also Reminded the CMO of their core responsibilities to Love their wives, guide and guard the family and show them the direction they should go, they should leave a Legacy of good character and Godly life for their families and that they should be collaborators and not competitors with their wives for a Holy and Healthy family.

At the Mass the Retreat Master admonished the men thus: "Do not procrastinate whatever God has put into your heart and mind to do for God, the Less privileged and Humanity, do it, do not delay it because you do not have all the time in the world." He said men are called to be leaders in the home Church community and society, they should lead by good example and they should make known to their families especially their children their contributions and sacrifices to sustain the families.

In conclusion the Priest appreciated all participants from both Ilupeju and Eleta for their Sacrifices and prayed for Abundant success upon them all in 2026. The Retreat closed formally with the Divine Mercy Prayers by 3pm after which the Men departed the Marian grounds with a joyful heart praising God for the Blessings of the New Year.