Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

After the celebration of Chrism Mass at St Mary Catholic Cathedral, Oke – Padi where priests renewed their commitment before the Archbishop, celebration of the Triduum continued at St Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan in the evening where Jesus showed the model of humility by washing the feet of His disciples and instituting the Holy Eucharist.

Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ led three other priests: Rev. Frs: Stephen Balogun, Arnaud Aniou, CSJ and Esau Enger, CSJ in the celebration.

In his brief homily, Fr. Esau Enger, CSJ explained the concept of a leader as one who rules and gives command to be carried out. However, for Jesus, His leadership is not for people to serve Him but Him to serve others, hence, washing the feet of His disciples to show He is a humble leader.

The homilist therefore enjoined all to follow Christ’s example of leadership by example and not by words. “If we want to mingle with Jesus, we must allow Him to wash our feet and we ourselves wash others’ feet in different ways such as in greeting, rendering little assistance, helping guide a child, little contribution to the development of the Church, deciding to pay school fee of a child, reconciling others etc.” the priest added that Christ still washed the feet of His betrayer, hence, the faithful should be ready to forgive those that offend them. About five catechumen received their first Holy Communion during the celebration.

On Good Friday, there was a dramatized Stations of the Cross from the Josephite community along major roads leading to the Church. During the second part of the celebration, led by Rev. Fr. Esau Enger, CSJ, the homilist, Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ called on the faithful to examine different characters in the passion play and identify which one of the characters each belongs.

The priest explained that Good Friday is a day the faithful meditate a lot, adding that message of cross is foolishness to the wise but to the faithful, power of God. He charged the faithful not to overload themselves but that at each Easter, pick one thing that each will put an end to during each Easter celebration.

Prayers were held for different intentions as well as veneration of the cross.

On Holy Saturday, Easter vigil was led by Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ. The homilist, Rev. Fr. Esau Enger, CSJ reminded the faithful of feeling disappointed and rejected in life sometimes, just like the Scribes connived and killed Jesus not knowing, that is the beginning of great things; a new life that will never die, hence, he enjoined the congregation never to be afraid, but emulate Christ who stood for the truth and was killed for that.

The priest also encouraged the newly baptized at the celebration that Jesus has chosen them, like the women, to go and announce His resurrection. “Do not be an old person but allow the light of your baptism change you.” He said.