Fr. Emmanuel ESEOLA

 

Sunday, 12th October, 2025 was a joyful moment for the Archdiocese of Ibadan as Holy Family Catholic Church, Odo Ona Kekere was formally erected as a Quasi Parish by the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev Gabriel Ojeleke Abegunrin. The Archbishop also celebrated the Holy Mass with the faithful of the community to mark this historic occasion.

 

Formerly an outstation of St. Michael Catholic Church, Idi Ayunre, Holy Family has faithfully served the People of God in Odo Ona Kekere for close to two decades. In recognition of its steady growth and pastoral vitality, the Church has now been given the canonical status of a Quasi Parish, in accordance with Canon 516 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, which states:

 

“A quasi-parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful within a particular Church, which is not yet erected as a parish because of particular circumstances, but which is entrusted to a priest as its proper pastor.”

 

This means that Holy Family, while not yet a full parish, now enjoys a stable pastoral structure, with its own priest, pastoral council, and growing administrative autonomy under the care and oversight of the Archdiocese.

 

The Archbishop appointed Rev. Fr. Bernard Azeez as the first Parish Priest of the new Quasi Parish, entrusting him with the spiritual and pastoral care of the faithful. Further administrative and pastoral logistics will be worked out in due course.

 

This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing evangelizing mission of the Church in the Ibadan Archdiocese, strengthening the bonds of faith and fostering closer pastoral care for the community of Odo Ona Kekere.