Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

It was celebration galore at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan as the entire parishioners celebrated 2025 Harvest/Cultural Thanksgiving day.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun in his reflection with the theme: “Be vigilant in wisdom and faith as you await the Lord” stated that harvest is about thanksgiving for the grace of another opportunity to witness another celebration alive. “It is worthy to give thanks to God for the grace of seeing the harvest day, 2025. God is the reason we have gathered. Whatever we need to do to show appreciation should be done today and not delay till another day.” The priest said.

The priest added that celebrating the cultural and harvest day during advent also prepares all for the coming of Christ, hence, to be vigilant is to enable all see the choices before us and choose wisely.

The parish priest said many Christians are sleeping and are not growing anything; (not talking of physical fruits but spiritual fruits). That many are tired, depressed, hopeless, but that only God can help us. He enjoined all as they dressed culturally for the celebration to also show the joy of the celebration to others around them.

The cleric warned all against pride and arrogance but rather admonished all to be humble. He appreciated the 2025 Harvest Chairperson, Mrs P.F. Adegboye, who with her entire family have supported this year’s harvest from the beginning till the end as he described the 2025 harvest as the best so far in the parish. Fr. Balogun equally appreciated HRM, Oba Adebayo Faforiji, Oteniara III, Alamuye of Amuye in Osun State for also supporting the parish harvest.

The Chairperson opened up the thanksgiving, followed by groups/societies, regions, outstations and concluded by the pastoral team. Mrs P.F. Adegboye also appreciated the parish priest and the entire parishioners for supporting this year’s harvest.

Highlights from the second session of the celebration included snapping of groups photographs; walk-way-parade; breaking of kola; fashion parade; cultural dance by groups and Seminarians of Josephite Community and ‘try your luck competition, organized by Sr. Emmanuella Ibeawuchi, where a bag of rice was won by the winners.

There was also bazaar sales, a vote of thanks by the Laity President of the parish, Mr Felix Oretu and closing/final blessing by Rev. Fr. Arnauld Aniou, CSJ.