Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

A memorial Mass in honour of Pa John Olaleke Olaniyan Olagoke (1931-20th June 2008) and Mama Emily Olaitan Olaniyan Olagoke (Nee Ogunleke, 1943-17th April 2017) was held on Saturday, 6th September 2025 at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan.

The parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun commended Olagoke family for remembering their late parents in accordance with the Church’s teaching that at least on All Souls Day, Catholic faithful should remember the dead and if we can do it more than once, fine and good. The priest enjoined all to always book Mass for their dead relatives rather than preparing food and drinks that the dead could no longer take part in.

“Baba and Mama have done theirs, how about us? It pleased the family to remember their parents, if not, no one can query them. Only the living shall praise you, Lord. If we are being begged to praise God, now that we are alive, we don’t know what we are doing. It is always good to gather family to work for God but today, family members go their different ways.” The priest stated.

Fr. Balogun therefore charged all families to make efforts to ensure their children and grandchildren also serve God. “That you come to worship God, we are not doing it for anybody but for ourselves. The world is full of vanity, emptiness. Let us make ourselves happy and enjoy life as much as God gives us the grace.” The Cleric admonished.

Fr. Balogun concluded by praying that as the family remembers their late parents, may God remember them too and for those that came to rejoice with the family, that God grants them mercy journey to their various destinations.

The family also had its family harvest thanksgiving during the memorial Mass, supported by all in attendance. A member of the family, who is also a Catechist in the parish, Catechist Michael Olagoke gave a vote of thanks.

Refreshments were served after the Mass to those that could not accompany the family to their residence. May the souls of Pa & Mama Olagoke continue to rest in peace.