Samuel FALANA, SDV

 

Consecrated men and women of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan converged on Saturday, 13 December 2025, at the Oblates of St. Joseph Formation House, Opere, for the 2025 Advent Recollection. The programme was held under the theme, “Hope that shines in darkness: ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light’” (Isaiah 9:2), in keeping with the spirit of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

 

The recollection commenced at 9:00 a.m. with the arrival of participants, followed by a Marian procession and the recitation of the Holy Rosary from the Grotto of Our Lady, Virgin of the Poor, to the chapel. The Rosary was led by the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus. This was followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament conducted by Rev. Tor, SMA, setting a solemn and prayerful tone for the day.

 

The spiritual talk, which formed the highlight of the recollection, was delivered by Rev. Sr. Mary Christine Ugobi-O., IHM. In her reflection, she invited consecrated persons to confront the “darkness” present in both society and personal life with steadfast Christian hope anchored in Christ, the true Light. Drawing insights from Sacred Scripture and the Nigerian socio-cultural context, she urged religious men and women to become credible witnesses of hope through a deep life of prayer, fidelity to their vows, and committed service to the Church and the wider society.

 

Participants later engaged in moments of silent adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing an opportunity for personal reflection, renewal, and spiritual strengthening.

 

The Holy Eucharist, which brought the recollection to its climax, was presided over by the Rector of the Oblates of St. Joseph Formation House, Rev. Fr. Peter Jirgba, OSJ, while the homily was delivered by a priest of the Josephites of Murialdo. The liturgy was animated by various religious congregations, vividly expressing the unity and rich diversity of consecrated life within the Archdiocese.

 

In her vote of thanks, the President, Sr. Winifred, OLA, expressed gratitude to all participants and took the opportunity to congratulate those who had marked significant milestones during the period, including First and Final Professions, Diaconate and Priestly Ordinations, and religious anniversaries. She also formally presented the newly appointed Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence Olumide Ogundipe, SDV, to the assembly.

 

Addressing the gathering, the Vicar for Religious conveyed the goodwill and blessings of the Archbishop and encouraged consecrated persons to live in unity, mutual support, and fraternal collaboration. He also outlined his pastoral vision and announced his intention to visit all religious communities in the Archdiocese, beginning with formation houses.

 

The recollection ended with a fraternal lunch and departure, as participants returned to their communities spiritually renewed and recommitted to their vocation as witnesses of hope and light in a world in need of encouragement.