Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

A Josephite’s priest, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ has stated that every Christian’s encounter with Christ; be it positive or negative, must have effect in the life of such Christian just like the encounter of the Samaritan woman with Christ in John chapter 4, who allowed the faith to lead her and became the first disciple to announce Christ to others.

The priest said this during his reflection at a Mass he presided over at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan on Sunday 8th March, 2026.

According to Fr. Vitalis, some of us are Christians in making and not Christians in practice. He added that our Christian vocation should bring us into company with Christ, who is the Son of God. ‘The Samaritan woman was in search of the new life. Christ took her through the sacraments, for faith in God is not something that just come but gradually.” He said.

The homilist charged all to examine themselves what effect their encounter with Christ has brought? How many have they brought to Christ through their ways of life? Or whether they are the type that receive without gratitude of effect. “We are meant to be light to people. We should not be like the Israelites, who in spite of all God has done for them have no iota of gratitude but complaints.

The priest also cautioned the parishioners against gossiping, for Christ in the day’s gospel did not think of what His disciples would say, hence, He told them, His food is to do the will of the one who sent Him. He prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead all into caring for the living water, rather than being satisfied with the physical water.

The parishioners later at the Mass joined the family of Mr and Mrs Areoye, who brought their child to the Church and the family of Mrs Victoria Eniowo, who was thanking God for healing received so far.

Also, the parish received the Laity President in Oke Ado Deanery and the Secretary, Mr Francis Dele Ayanjompe and Prince Augustine Aderemi Odogiyon respectively; who were in the parish on familiarization tour and also to sensitize the parishioners about the Oke Ado Deanery Cathedraticum, to be hosted by the parish on 12th March, 2026.

The visitors appreciated the parish, most especially for making the deanery proud in the just concluded Laity Quiz Competition in which Oke Ado Deanery emerged the winner with a wide margin. They further urged the parishioners to be actively involved in the Laity Week that is commencing with an opening Mass on Sunday, 15th March, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke Ado.

Meanwhile, in appreciation of the efforts of the parish priest of St. Anne Parish, the parish CYON presented the priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun, with some gifts.