The thanksgiving Mass of two indigenous priests of Eleta parish was celebrated Sunday, 18th August 2024 at Our Lady of Fatima, Eleta, Ibadan by Rev. Fr. Joseph Adeniyi and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Azeez with many other priests concelebrating.

The parish priest Rev. Fr. Felix Adedigba welcomed all to the parish saying ‘this is the day the Lord has made, we rejoice and are glad in it (PS 118:24).’ 

He specifically welcomed the newly ordained priests and celebrants, Rev. Frs. Gabriel Azeez and Joseph Adeniyi, Rev. Frs, Deacons, Seminarians, Rev. Sisters, Parents of the new priests: Papa Azeez, Papa and Mama Adeniyi, siblings and relatives, Sister- parishes: St Anne, Ogbere; St Eunan, Odo- Oba; St Francis, Sanyo -Soka; Holy Cross, Ayegun, and other parishes present.

The homilist Rev. Fr. Peter Taiwo Ibimiluyi, appreciating everyone present said ‘this year is indeed a special year in Eleta Parish because this will be the first time Eleta Parish will be having two indigenous priests.’ He said jokinly that may be because he is a twin that is why two of his brothers became priests after him.

He added that despite all the wonderful things we have in this world we can still have some handsome and devoted men who may have passion for God's work. 

The newly ordained priests, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Azeez and Rev. Fr. Joseph Adeniyi are being ordained in a difficult time and therefore charged them that their ordination is to the service of God and humanity.

That is, they're being ordained for God and for the people of God. He urged them to avoid every form of pride, always make sacrifices for the work of God and acknowledge the God for the work. 

The Acting Editor of Catholic Weekly Independent advised them to always build themselves around the Eucharist in order to draw strength in God and must celebrate every Mass as if it will be their last Mass.

He appealed to them to always seek the glory of God in whatever they are doing and that heaven should always be their goal. 

Fr. Ibimiluyi also encouraged them not to give up despite being ordained in this difficult time, never have any regret for God's work because God's work must not spoil in their Hands. 

He also encouraged the people of God present like the psalmist tells us "Taste and see that the Lord is good". He noted that the reason why many Christians have not seen the goodness of God in their lives is because they are not tasting God but prefer to taste something else.

He prayed to God to give all the grace to retrace their steps back to God to enjoy His goodness in their lives. He equally prayed for the new priests that God will supply all they need to do his work diligently.

Before the final blessing, the celebrants were asked to pray for the different categories of people that were present while Rev. Fr. Gabriel Azeez appreciated everyone for their presence and support on behalf of his co-celebrant.

A reception was also held after the thanksgiving Massw here the Chairman of the occasion Prof. Augustine Omoike thanked God for the lives of the two celebrating priests.

He encouraged parents to always do well by nurturing their children in the way of the Lord so as to raise priests in their families because the harvest is plentiful but there is few labourers. He added that the dedication and hardworking of the parents will be seen in the lives of their children. 

The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Felix Adedigba welcomed everyone once more to the reception Program. He said the program was proposed but God made it to come to reality. He thanked Eleta Parishioners for the support he has received so far saying "Eniyan laso mi".

He appreciated God in the lives of the celebrants, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Azeez and Rev. Fr. Joseph Adeniyi as he said it’s not easy to go to seminary and succeeded in becoming priests. He  encouraged them to use the homily they have heard as guide in their priestly journey.  

The children and youths of Eleta rendered a cultural presentation followed by Ewi by Mr. Segun Adewumi “Ojogbon Akewi.” There was cutting of ordination cake by the celebrants after which the celebrants accompanied by the priests, deacons, Sisters, families, friends and relatives in dancing. 

During the presentation of gifts, the celebrants were presented a gift of Toyota Camry each by Eleta Parish. Engr. Ladipo gave the vote of thanks while Rev. Fr. Christopher Jolaoso said closing prayer with final blessing.