Samuel O. FALANA, SDV

 

The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, formally announced the newly appointed Vicar for Religious, Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence O. Ogundipe, SDV, on Monday, 2 February 2026, at  the celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life with a solemn and colourful liturgical celebration at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bashorun, Ibadan. The event brought together religious men and women from various congregations in a profound expression of thanksgiving, renewal, and public witness to the gift of consecrated life in the Church.

 

The celebration commenced with a prayerful gathering at the entrance of the Church, where consecrated persons assembled in unity. At the opening rites, the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, formally presented the Vicar for Religious, Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence O. Ogundipe, SDV, to the assembly, reaffirming his pastoral responsibility for religious institutes within the Archdiocese. The gesture was warmly received and highlighted the growing collaboration between the Archdiocesan authority and Consecrated Communities.

 

The liturgy began with the Blessing of Candles and a solemn procession into the Church, reflecting the central symbolism of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, during which the World Day for Consecrated Life is observed. With lighted candles held aloft, consecrated men and women processed reverently, visibly affirming their vocation as bearers of Christ, the Light of the World. The celebration continued with the joyful chanting of the Gloria.

 

Holy Mass was presided over by the Archbishop, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, as Chief Celebrant. The homily, delivered by a member of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, focused on consecrated life as a radical response to God’s call through the evangelical counsels. He urged religious to remain firmly rooted in prayer, faithful to their vows, and courageous in their witness amid contemporary challenges facing the Church and society.

The liturgy reflected broad inter-congregational participation. The Gospel was proclaimed by a Vocationist Deacon and assisted by a Dominican Deacon, while the Master of Ceremony was a Redemptorist. Members of the Servants of Charity served at the altar. The first reading was taken by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and the second reading by the Dominican Sisters.

 

A particularly significant moment of the celebration came after the Liturgy of the Word, when consecrated persons renewed their vows and commitments. The rite was led by the Vicar for Religious, Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence O. Ogundipe, SDV, while the Archbishop received the renewed commitment on behalf of the Church and pronounced a solemn blessing. The moment served as both a spiritual recommitment and a public reaffirmation of their total dedication to God and service to humanity.

 

The Prayer of the Faithful, prepared by the planning committee, was proclaimed by representatives of various congregations, including the Claretian Fathers, Daughters of Divine Love, Oblates of St. Joseph, Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Sisters, Consolers Community, and the Redemptorists. The petitions reflected the needs of the Church, consecrated persons, and the wider society.

 

Liturgical music was provided by a combined choir drawn from the Salesians of Don Bosco, SMA Community, Sisters of St. Louis, Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel, and the Religious Sisters of Charity. The Presentation of Gifts involved members of several congregations, symbolizing the collective offering of consecrated lives in service to God and the Church.

 

At the conclusion of the Mass, the President of the Association of Consecrated Persons delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the Vicar for Religious. She expressed appreciation to the Archbishop, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, and the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, for their presence and fatherly support. Gratitude was also extended to the Vicar for Religious for his dedication, as well as to the Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Igbekele, Major Superiors, formators, diocesan priests, parish leadership, and all individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the celebration.

 

In his closing remarks, the Archbishop encouraged consecrated persons to remain faithful to the charism of their institutes and to persevere in their vocation. He emphasized the importance of visible signs of consecration, such as the religious habit, as a powerful witness in today’s world, before imparting his pastoral blessing.

 

The celebration continued after Mass with cultural and fraternal activities coordinated by the Entertainment Committee. Performances included an Ogene presentation by the Schoenstatt Fathers, a drama by the Vocationist Fathers and Brothers, and a cultural display by the Servants of Charity. Various congregations collaborated in decorations, sound coordination, and programme direction.

 

The event concluded in an atmosphere of joy, fraternity, and renewed commitment, leaving participants spiritually strengthened and united in their shared mission as consecrated witnesses in the Church and the world.