Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

Christ the King (CKC) Catholic Church, Odo - Ona, Ibadan celebrated its 2025 Harvest Grand Finale on Sunday, October 26, in a vibrant liturgy of thanksgiving that also marked a major step towards ecological stewardship.

The event, hosted by the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), was dedicated to raising N35,000,000.00 for the installation of a new lithium solar power system in the parish.

 

The celebration was led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adeyinka Ajewole, and the Officiating Priest and Homilist, Rev. Fr. Simeon Onyekachi Madu, OSJ who is also the Chief Celebrant of the Mass. The Mass was held under the spiritual authority of His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan.

 

The homilist, Rev. Fr. Simeon Onyekachi Madu, OSJ calls for humility in prayer in his compelling homily, as he focused on the spiritual quality of true prayer, drawing a sharp distinction between a "humble cry" and a "proud cry." He emphasized that while prayer is a form of begging, humility is the sole key to having a prayer answered.

 

Fr. Madu clarified that God, being a God of justice, does not abandon the poor when they cry to Him. However, he stressed that the truly poor in God's eyes are those who humble themselves in His presence, regardless of their material status. The homilist cautioned that a materially poor person can still make a prayer request with a "haughty" heart, thus rendering it ineffective.

He also challenged the congregation regarding routine spiritual practices, noting that many novenas, devotions, and other society prayers "have become routine and we don't benefit from it" due to a lack of genuine belief and a humble heart.

 

Following the spiritual instruction, the focus turned to the parish's ambitious N35 million solar power project at the reception/Bazaar, a clear response to both local needs and the universal Church's call to care for creation.

The CWO President CKC Odo-Ona, Mrs. Judith Okorafor, framed the project in profound theological terms. "Today's grand finale is more than just a celebration," she wrote.

"It is also an invitation to invest in the work of God... Our parish is working towards the installation of Solar power in our Church premises." The CWO President affirmed

Mrs. Okorafor emphasized that the project goes beyond logistics. "This solar power system... will not only reduce our energy costs but also will serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to be good stewards of God's work. Let us remember that giving is a seed. When sown in faith, it multiplies into blessings, peace and joy." She admonished.

 

This sentiment was echoed by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ajewole Adeyinka. In his message, he expressed deep gratitude to God and the parishioners, especially given the current "global economic challenges."

"Our harvest this year is dedicated... to the project of installing a solar power system for the Parish," Fr. Ajewole stated.

 

He extended special thanks to the CWO for "anchoring this year's harvest," the Harvest Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Elizabeth Tunde-Aiyeka, and all generous donors, including parishioners in the Diaspora, for their "persistent sacrifice and love.

 

"The event underscored the vital role of the laity, particularly women, in the life of the Church." This was made known by the 2025 Harvest Planning Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Tunde-Aiyeka, who praised the CWO's commitment, quoting their saying, "what men can do, women can do better."

 

The 2025 Harvest at CKC Odo-Ona , Ibadan was not merely a fundraiser but a powerful act of faith, demonstrating a parish community uniting in humble petition, embracing sustainability, and working to build a "brighter future," all these while giving thanks to God for His abundant blessings.