Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

       The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, priests not less than 31 in number, two deacons, Rev. Srs, family members, lay faithful and parishioners of St. Gregory Catholic Church, Moniya, Ibadan gathered in the parish to join their own, the  Parish Priest of St. Gregory, the Director of Social Communications of Ibadan Archdiocese and the Chaplain of Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN), Ibadan Province, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ifeoluwa Odewale Ayinla, Ogunyale as he thanked God for turning 50 on 2nd March 2026, but the celebration was shifted because of the Lenten season.

       The homilist at the thanksgiving Mass, Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola, from Oyo Diocese pointed out that birthday is a moment of joy and thanksgiving to God for the gift of life. According to Him, birthday celebration is usually taken for granted by some people but added that birthday is important because it is not one of the celebrations that one celebrates in absential.          

The homilist, who took the celebrant through the memory lane about his birth, childhood, schooling, seminary training and ups and downs moments of each of the stages wondered why the Celebrant would not give thanks to God for turning fifty.

            Fr. Babalola made it known to the celebrant that God has chosen him before his birth and that the manner he serves God represents his gift back to God. He enjoined the celebrant of the need to pick up some moments he had not put to use the gift of God and do the needful now that he is fifty.

             The gospel reading for the celebration (Mk 5:1) according to the homilist is a signal to the celebrant to spend the rest of his life speaking all the Lord has done to him to those he meets.

        It is most likely your destination is close than the point of departure, look forward and reflect, seek for forgiveness, seek for whatever would please God, eliminate unnecessary competitions which lead to sorrow, letting go may be an option         for you may not be as strong as before.

“Challenges of this time are rather intellectual than physical. Run medical check-up frequently. The Church has given so much to you and so much is expected. Make yourselves available to the Archbishop, love God more than ever, spend more time before the Blessed Sacrament, be more dedicated to our Blessed Virgin Mary, never eat with all your fingers, your popularity will fade as you advance in age, poor and needy will come to you , be intentional in saving for that time.

“The code of friendship will shrink, love old friends and gain new ones. Mistakes you make at fifty will be very difficult to correct. Everybody can desert you if you make a mistake as priest, your people will however stand with you, take care of your family. try to be like Christ, Fr Wale. May God be merciful to you. Fr Babalola stated.

              The Chairman of the parish Pastoral Council, Mr Philip Adedeji also eulogized the celebrant referring to him as an agent of transformation and inspiration having put St Gregory parish in the cloud. He said the five golden years of the celebrant in the parish cannot be forgotten in the history of the parish. He was later joined by other leaders of the parish lay organizations in presenting the parish gift to the celebrant.

             There was a thanksgiving by the celebrant, joined by brother priests, family members and parishioners while the Archdiocesan Pastoral Secretary, Very. Rev. Fr Richard Omolade prayed and blessed the celebrant.

          The Celebrant in his vote of thanks appreciated the Archbishop, priests, deacons, family members, media groups, CAEAN, functionaries and the entire parishioners for joining him in thanking God for his goodness.

             The Archbishop also appreciated everyone and commended the Celebrant for the good work he is doing in the parish, which is now being copied by other parishes.

The second part of the celebration witnessed renditions, showing of video of the life of the celebrant, documentary by CAEAN, cutting of birthday cake and dancing time among others.