The South Deanery Laity Cultural Festival was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke-Ado, Ibadan on Sunday 11th August 2024. 

The programme started with the Holy Mass by exactly 9:30 am. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Francis Adelaja while Rev. Fr. Benedict Ugwoegbu, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke-Ado, Ibadan concelebrated with him.

 He welcomed all Lay faithful from South Deanery to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Parish of reality. 

The priest in his homily stated that Nigeria is a unique country because of different languages up to 400 and more than 200 tribes and we can still communicate with one another especially through pigin English. 

He said that our culture is part of our lives because culture can be seen in the food we eat, dresses we put on and the languages we speak. Therefore, celebration of culture should be a reflection of our faith. 

Reflecting on the day’s readings, the homilist said “In the first reading, Elijah was fed in order to have enough strength to fulfill his mission. Jesus said in the gospel "Am the bread of life". As people of God, we should eat the bread that will grant us eternal life.

Jesus Christ gave up himself for us to eat so as to have eternal life. Our dresses must be modest and full of good characters.”

He concluded his sermon by praying for everyone present at the Mass. Prayers of the faithful was also said in different dialects. 

Special Thanksgivings were made by different regions such as South-East, South-South, South-West, North-Central and non Nigerians. This was done with joy by all. 

There was areception immediately after the Mass. The Master of ceremonies introduced dignitaries to the high table and the people were made to sit according to their regions. The people were well dressed culturally which made it a unique one. 

Three priests graced the occasion, namely: Rev. Frs. Benedict Ugwoegbu, Daniel Izebunol and Stephen Balogun. The opening prayer was said by Fr. Benedict. The Parish Laity President, Mr Francis Ayanjompe welcomed everyone to the programme. 

Dr. Cyril Osigwe, the South Deanery Laity President also thanked God for making the day a reality. According to him, the programme had been conceived since 2022 but couldn't materialize. He therefore admonished everyone to join hands together in preparing adequately for subsequent one. 

In the Chaplain’s response, Rev. Fr Stephen Balogun thanked everyone and suggested that cultural festival be biennial programme so as to create room for adequate preparation. He therefore encouraged each Parish Laity to emulate the deanery and reciprocate the same at the parish levels.

The breaking of kola by different regions seated in hall was done and refreshments was also served concurrently. There was dancing galore by different regions and both Yoruba and Igbo social Cultural Groups also made their Special Presentations. 

Closing remarks was done by Dean represented Rev. Fr Stephen Balogun together with closing prayer, followed by snapping of groups photographs.