Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer) & Catechist Michael Olagoke

The Parish Priest of St. Anne Parish, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun has stated that everybody needs prayer when things are good and when things are bad. “As little children, we were taught that, prayer is raising up our hearts and mind to God with faith. That is, "Prayer is a conversation with God, not a presentation... Constant prayer is a sign of the depth of our faith."  Reflecting on the Gospel reading of 30th Sunday in the Ordinary Time, Year C (Luke 18:9-14) at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, the cleric said two persons in the Gospel went to pray, both good and bad but that only God answers prayer.

The parish priest warned against pride while praying like the Gospel revealed of one that prayed to himself because of pride which made him to condemn the other, but the other really prayed to God as he humbled himself. “Dear friend, kindly do away with pride, self-justification, and over confidence. Trying to fool others is bad enough. It is even worse to try to fool ourselves, but never ever do we fool God. He alone judges secret emotions.” He then asked the parishioners what the contents of their prayers are and whether they have faith that if God does not answer their prayer today, He will do it the next day. “Many are so proud, even when they have nothing. Those that think they are wise are the most foolish of all.” Fr. Balogun said.

The priest admonished the parishioners of the need to let their faith be deep-rooted like that of the bamboo tree to be able to withstand tribulations in life. Such deep-rooted faith he added is needed to be able to go on mission for Christ.

Meanwhile, the parishioners of the Mother parish after the Mass moved to Araromi in Ona Ara LGA, to celebrate the 2025 Harvest Thanksgiving of the Outstations (St. Anthony, Araromi; St. Jude, Akanran and St. Michael, Gbedu.)

The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Esau Enger, CSJ and Fr. Balogun concelebrating with the assistance of the Seminarians of Josephite Community.

Thanksgivings were done based on the outstations and parish representatives joyfully in appreciation of God’s blessings and protection in the past years.

Catechist Mathias Ejuwa of the host station, St Anthony, thanked everyone for coming to celebrate with them and also prayed for everyone present. Also, Catechist Owolabi of St. Michael station solicited for the parish’s assistance in order to put St. Jude Church in good shape and make it a befitting place for worship.

The parish priest, Fr Stephen Balogun appreciated the Chief Celebrant for accepting to celebrate the Harvest Thanksgiving Mass at the outstations like his predecessor, Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ did last year. He thanked everyone present, the Seminarians and parishioners from Ogbere and directed Cathecist Owolabi of Akanran to make the list of those things needed and bring it to the main parish for assistance.

Bazar sales was organized immediately after the Holy Mass and it was full of fun and blessings with a lot to eat and drink and to take home as well.