Saturday- 30th of August will remain evergreen in the history of the Priests, Parishioners and indeed the entire community of Eruwa as St. Mary Catholic Church, Eruwa, under Igboora Deanery, was blessed with the visit of the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin. The Archbishop paid a pastoral visit to the Parish to bless the newly built Marian Grotto and offer it to the faithful as a place of prayer to seek the intercession of Our Mother Mary. This occasion which is the first of its kind witnessed the presence of parishioners from the main Parish and outstations, dignitaries and faithful from within and outside the town.

Prior to the arrival of the Archbishop, the Medical Team of St. Mary Catholic Hospital, Eleta, Designers Eye Clinic, Orogun and AM Eye clinic, Eruwa were on ground for medical outreach for parishioners and the entire community. The health practitioners who were majorly from Ibadan offered free health consultation with subsidized payment for glasses, screenings and vaccinations which included eye screenings, hepatitis testing and vaccination, as well as breast and cervical examinations, benefitting more than 100 people. This act of service highlighted the commitment of the Church to the holistic care of the faithful—spirit, soul, and body.

Upon arrival, the Archbishop was warmly welcomed by the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of the parish through a spirited song rendition. The liturgical celebration followed with readings, after which the Archbishop delivered a short but impactful homily. He emphasized the importance of unity among parishioners, urging them to emulate the virtue of generosity. Drawing from the example of the donor of the grotto, Mr. Augustine Ayo Fawole, His Grace encouraged the faithful to recognize that “the more we give, the more blessings we receive.” He further exhorted parishioners to make regular use of the Marian Grotto as a place of prayer and devotion, reminding them that Mary always intercedes for her children.

The Archbishop also reiterated this message during a brief media interaction, stressing that Christian giving should flow from love and faith, and that God never abandons generous hearts. He also called on the faithful of St. Mary Parish to continually gather at the grotto to seek divine help through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Parish Priest- Rev. Fr. Vincent Alabi, expressed profound gratitude to the Archbishop for his pastoral visit and supports. He thanked the donor for his generosity, appreciated all those assisting the Parish in one way or another and thanked all parishioners and guests. He prayed that the grotto would become a true center of Marian devotion, drawing the faithful closer to God through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

The historic celebration concluded with sessions of group photographs with the Archbishop, Parishioners, Guests, and the Donor, capturing memories of a day filled with faith, charity, and unity.