Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo witnessed a significant moment of faith and pastoral progress as St. Stephen Catholic Church, Apaara, celebrated its 2025 Feast Day alongside the foundation laying ceremony of a new Church building, presided over by the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo. The event formed part of the series of activities marking the Bishop’s 40th Priestly Anniversary and drew priests, religious, parishioners, and faithful from within and beyond the parish community.

 

In his pastoral remarks, Bishop Badejo described St. Stephen Catholic Parish, Apaara, as one of the most resourceful and vibrant parishes in the Diocese, particularly notable for its creativity and strong youth population. He commended the dynamism and dedication of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Olabode Jolasun, alongside the priest in residence, Rev. Fr. John Alayande, noting that their leadership has yielded visible pastoral fruits over the years. Among these achievements are the construction of a Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the internal decoration of the parish house, the acquisition of a parish vehicle, the activation of the parish farm, the sustenance of an Elementary school and Church in Ida Ogun, and the nurturing of a Mass Centre in Oyo town with prospects of becoming an autonomous community. He further acknowledged the parish’s role as a fertile ground for youth vocations and volunteers in diocesan activities.

 

The Bishop explained that the decision to lay the foundation of a new Church building reflects not only numerical growth but also a deepening of faith, hope, and zeal among the parishioners. He congratulated the parish leadership and faithful, praying that God would bring the project to completion through divine providence and inspire renewed commitment to Christian witness. He expressed joy in including the foundation laying among the activities commemorating his 40th year in the priesthood, praying that Christ the High Priest would bless all who contribute to the project.

 

Earlier, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Olabode Jolasun, traced the journey leading to the present milestone. He recalled that upon his assumption of office in July 2019, the parish was faced with the challenge of a deteriorating Church structure. With the guidance and financial support of the Bishop, urgent reconstruction was undertaken to ensure a safe place of worship. He narrated how, over time and through prayerful discernment, the Bishop later affirmed that the moment had come to begin the construction of a new Church building.

According to him, the foundation laying ceremony held on December 26, 2025, coinciding with the Parish’s Patron Feast, marks the fulfillment of that vision. He expressed gratitude to the Bishop, priests, parishioners, friends, and benefactors at home and abroad, describing the project as a blessing that would yield multiple graces and ensure lasting pastoral growth.

 

The homily at the Mass was delivered by Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Olabode, who reflected on the Church’s celebration of the martyrdom of St. Stephen immediately after Christmas. He explained that the feast is one of joy rather than sorrow, as it celebrates faithfulness, forgiveness, and courage in the face of persecution. Drawing inspiration from St. Stephen’s prayer for his persecutors, he urged the faithful to embrace steadfastness and courage as they embark on the new building project. He emphasized that building God’s Church goes beyond physical structures, calling on parents and guardians to form children and youths in moral values and Christian faith.

According to Fr. Olabode, winning souls through love, peaceful coexistence, forgiveness, and holy living remain essential parts of building the Church of God.

 

In his address, the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr. Festus Sola Agbaje, thanked the Bishop for gracing the occasion and prayed for God’s continued protection over him as he prepares to celebrate his 40th Priestly Anniversary. He also expressed appreciation to the priests and religious present and announced the presentation of gifts to the Bishop in anticipation of the anniversary.

Rev. Fr. Jolasun equally acknowledged the presence and support of priests including the Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Julius Olayinka, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adepoju, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Olabode, Rev. Fr. Raphael Akinyemi, Rev. Fr. John Popoola, Rev. Fr. Joyzy Pius Egunjobi, and Rev. Fr. John Alayande, as well as the religious sisters and faithful from far and near.

 

The Bishop, in his concluding remarks, encouraged parishioners and Church societies not to grow weary but to place their hope firmly in Christ, assuring them that God would multiply their efforts. In a gesture of support, he made a substantial donation towards the building project in his name and in memory of the late Bishop Emeritus.

 

Interviews conducted during the event reflected the shared sense of purpose among the faithful. Mr. Ogunsina, the parish prayer leader, explained that the decision to build a new Church was inspired by the desire to leave a worthy legacy for future generations, affirming that working with God makes even great tasks achievable. Victor Jolasun, a youth of the parish, described the occasion as a powerful testimony of faith and encouragement to younger generations, noting that building a house for God carries immense spiritual blessings. Brother Peter Toriola reflected on the relevance of St. Stephen’s martyrdom, reminding the faithful that authentic growth in the Church comes only through deep communion with Christ, the cornerstone and bridegroom of the Church.

 

The celebration concluded in an atmosphere of thanksgiving, renewed faith, and collective resolve, as St. Stephen Catholic Church, Apaara, embarked on a new chapter of pastoral development under the guidance of the Bishop and the inspiration of its Patron Saint.