Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Barely a week after the ordination of three new priests by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin at St. Mary Catholic Cathedral, Oke-Padi, Ibadan, the parish on Saturday 22nd August 2026 witnessed another significant celebration of one of the Church’s sacraments as the parish priest, assisted by the Cathedral Administrator and his Assistant; Very Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode and Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasakin respectively joined 15 couples in a group wedding.

The names of the Couples are as follow:

 Mr and Mrs Titus Nduka,  Mr and Mrs Chinedu Ezeala, Mr and Mrs Paschal Onyeofiri, Mr and Mrs Joseph Nwankwo Onwe, Mr and Mrs Hyginus Idiohazuruite, Mr and Mrs Ezekiel Nworie, Mr and Mrs Adeyanju Pete, Mr and Mrs Joseph Dada, Mr and Mrs George Abiona, Mr and Mrs Peter Kossi- Koffi, Mr and Mrs Bernard Adenuga, Mr and Mrs Peter Ogbonna, Mr and Mrs Michael Nwajiofor, Mr and Mrs Emmanuel Ojimma and Mr and Mrs Peter Jesse.

The Archbishop before joining the couples added his voice to the homily delivered by the Cathedral Administrator by urging their Sponsors not to forget the couples, nor allow their marriage to crumble. The Sponsors were also admonished to love, care and pray for the couples and never to wait until things scattered before coming to the couples’ rescue. Nevertheless, the Sponsors were warned against obstructing the couples’ privacy. “In their joy, celebrate with them. In their sadness, be there with them. Be good shining examples to them.” The Archbishop pleaded.

While explaining the readings for the celebration (Gen 2:18-24, Eph 5:21-33 & John 2:1-11), the Cathedral Administrator reminded the couples of the origin of marriage; which is for companionship and its two components of unity and indissolubility.

The couples were told that marriage is not to be a burden but to be enjoyed and at the same time to be mindful of the fact that there is nowhere in the world that one can find a perfect marriage. The homilist urged the couples to ensure their children are brought up in God’s way. “I remind you again, ask yourselves: are my children proud of me? Do I provide and care for them? Can I pray that my son marries a woman and treats her the same way I am treating my wife? If you cannot pray such conveniently, then you still have a lot to do.” The couples were told.

Fr. Akinyode lectured the couples that as the Church put sacramental zeal on their marriage to enable them share in the sacrament of Holy Eucharist in the context of jubilee, they must not take anything for granted. “Don’t become so civilized to trivialize God’s words. Respect, but respect should not be translated to slavery. Learn to manage your differences. Learn to control your anger. There are ways always to settle scores. Jesus is our God, Mary is our Mother. You cannot do without the other. If you want Jesus to surprise you, go through Mary, His Mother.” The homilist advised.

In conclusion, Fr. Akinyode thanked marriage Counselors, Catechism teachers, Catechists, Sponsors as well as family members and children, urging the couples never to disappoint them in any way.

The marriage rite was later conducted by the Archbishop. Other highlights were the signing of marriage certificates and presentations, receiving of the women into Catholic Women Organization and thanksgiving.

The vote of thanks was given by the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode before the final blessing by the Archbishop.