Vincent OBANIYI

The 2025 Oyo Deanery Pentecost Rally of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo took place at Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, Asogo, Oyo, on Saturday June 7, 2025.

 

The spiritual gathering began with a session of praise and worship, followed by the Regina Caeli, hymns to the Holy Spirit, and a welcome address by Rev. Fr. John Alayande, who warmly welcomed the Bishop and all the faithful in attendance.

 

The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was conducted by Rev. Gideon Audu, leading into the recitation of the Holy Rosary and the Novena to the Holy Spirit.

 

A major highlight of the rally was the teaching session by Rev. Fr. John Irekiigbe who reflected deeply on the theme: "Knowing and Understanding the Person of the Holy Spirit: Our Hope of Becoming True Children of God (Rom. 8:14)."

Fr. Irekiigbe emphasized the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit as a guide toward true Christian identity and living out the faith actively. There came afterwards intercessory prayers led by Fr. John Irekiigbe assisted by Charismatic group of the deanery.

The rally was concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass in which the homilist, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adepoju centered his message on the Spirit of Unity, Hope, and Participation.

Quoting Genesis 11:9, he said, “The Spirit we receive is the Spirit of unity. Christ is the head of unity, and we must be united with God.” He added that “when we truly receive the Body of Christ, our minds and bodies will find rest.”

He challenged fathers to be responsible, mothers to live in modesty, and all Catholics to be active, practical witnesses of the faith, guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

In his closing remarks, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, greeted all present and encouraged those who have become passive in the Church to become active once again. He prayed that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide and direct all in their Christian journey.