Michael OKEOLA

 

On Sunday, 11th January, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, visited Holy Family Catholic Church, Iseyin, where he blessed a newly completed Marian Grotto during the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

 

In his homily, Bishop Badejo called on the faithful to make a renewed commitment to God at the beginning of the year, urging Christians to ask themselves what they could do to appreciate God for His blessings rather than focusing solely on personal needs. He stressed that true Christianity is shown through action, service, and visible commitment to the work of God.

 

The Bishop cautioned against demonizing young people, describing them as the pride of the Church and the future of society. He encouraged parents who invest time, values, and discipline in their children, praying that their efforts would bear lasting fruit and that their names would outlive them through the positive impact of their children. According to him, young people should be actively welcomed into Church ministries such as the choir and other parish groups, rather than being sidelined.

 

Sharing personal experiences, Bishop Badejo recounted his early years as a priest, recalling how simple acts of service—such as cutting grass within Church premises alongside children—became lasting examples that shaped lives. He emphasized that service to God is not limited to prayer alone but includes practical actions that demonstrate love, humility, and responsibility.

 

Reflecting on the significance of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Bishop explained that baptism marks Christians as bonafide children of God and empowers them through the Holy Spirit to live transformed lives. He encouraged the faithful to make realistic New Year resolutions rooted in faith, doing their best while trusting God with the rest. He also reminded Catholics of the importance of the Sign of the Cross, describing it as a declaration of the fullness and completeness of life in Christ, leaving believers with nothing to fear.

Speaking on the Marian Grotto, Bishop Badejo described it as a valuable addition to the parish and a visible expression of Catholic spirituality. He clarified that the Grotto is not a photo studio but a sacred prayer ground meant for meditation and communion with God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He expressed joy that much of the resources for the Grotto were donated by young people, describing it as an opportunity for youth engagement and spiritual growth.

 

The Bishop testified to the power of the Rosary, sharing experiences from his travels around the world and recounting a personal story of how a young girl he met praying at a Marian Grotto years ago later experienced a complete transformation in her life, which he attributed to prayer and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

Earlier in the Mass, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Chairman, Comrade Lakin Odegbaro, thanked the Bishop for his pastoral visit and expressed appreciation to the priests present, including Monsignor Anthony Olawumi and Rev. Fr. Anthony-Mary Fasola. He prayed for God’s continued grace and mercy upon their lives.

 

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joshua Benedict, in his vote of thanks, described the Bishop’s visit as deeply personal and historic. He recalled that Bishop Badejo, then a deacon, baptized him in 1984, later ordained him a deacon and priest, and now returned to bless a Marian Grotto in his parish. He thanked the Bishop, priests of the Iseyin Deanery, the Dean of the Deanery, Rev. Fr. Martin Badejo, and the former Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adepoju, for their support.

 

Fr. Benedict revealed that despite initial financial challenges, the Grotto project was successfully completed through faith, courage, and collective effort, noting that the parish had spent about ₦7 million on the project from February 7, 2025, to date. He expressed gratitude to individuals and families who contributed materially and financially, as well as to the builders, artisans, and supervisors who worked tirelessly to complete the project.

 

In his closing remarks, Bishop Badejo thanked the Parish Priest and parishioners, noting humorously that Fr. Joshua was becoming an “expert” in building grottos within the diocese. He offered catechetical clarification on the meaning of “Grotto,” explaining that while it originates from the Italian word for “cave,” it is best understood locally as a prayer ground rather than a shrine, emphasizing that Catholics do not worship Mary but pray with her to God.

 

The Bishop referenced recent teachings of Pope Leo XIV, reiterating that Mary is not a co-redeemer but the chosen vessel through whom salvation came, and a model of holiness for all Christians. He encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and grow in devotion through prayer.

 

Members of the parish, including the PPC Chairman and parishioners such as Mama Alice Oke, expressed joy over the blessing of the Grotto, describing it as a source of spiritual growth, unity, and renewed prayer life for the Church. They thanked the Bishop for his fatherly care and prayed for God’s continued protection and guidance upon his ministry.