Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

St. Cecilia Choir of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan held its 2025 festival of nine lessons and carol on Sunday, 14th December 2025. The spiritually filled exercise was declared open with a prayer said by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun after the Choir, alongside the Seminarians of St. Joseph Murialdo Congregation came in, in a procession.

The festival, which was participatory all through and streamed live had some selected members of the parish coming out to take the lessons for the event, while the host Choir, consisting majorly of little girls and boys entertained the audience with their innocent voices to the admiration of all.

Presentations were made by the parish’s Outstations in Gbedu and Amuloko, the Josephite’s Seminarians made up of different nationalities, parish CYON and CWO, Caritas Group of Schools and individuals. Drama was not left out to re-enact how the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, came to be.

In his short Christmas message, Fr. Balogun attributed the celebration to that of Love that is born anew in our hearts. He added that true joy or happiness comes from being the same with others around us. “To be happy, we must be humble. God became one like us, though without sin. He is a friend to all, sinners and saints.” The priest stated.

Fr. Balogun, who is also the CAN Coordinator in Ona Ara LGA of Oyo State admonished all to ensure nothing takes away their joy, even as the Church on third Sunday of advent enjoins all to rejoice. He said Christmas goes beyond material things, but that love is key for the celebration of the season. He appreciated the choir and all that came to join in the celebration.

The Parish Head Catechist, Mrs Elizabeth Ibimiluyi, who also made a presentation at the festival gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Parish Priest, the Choir and the entire parishioners, while the parish priest gave the closing prayer and the blessing.

Earlier at the celebration of the Holy Mass officiated by Rev, Fr. Arnauld Aniou, CSJ; the Celebrant explained why the Church in her wisdom has enjoined all to rejoice on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent). According to the cleric, we need to rejoice because Christ loves us and he is coming soon; because we believe He will take away our burdens; because it is not the end, there is still life and there is still hope; and because we have life. He prayed that the Lord we are waiting for be our strength.