Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

Members of the Ibadan Provincial Catholic Women Organization (IPCWO) gathered in Akure for their 2026 Annual Provincial Retreat, held from March 13 to 15 at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Centre, Igoba, Akure, Ondo State.

The retreat, themed “Women: Indispensable Collaborators in the Mission of the Church,” brought together delegates from across the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province for a period of spiritual renewal, reflection, and strategic deliberations on their role in the life of the Church.

 

In her opening remarks, the Provincial President, Amb. Mrs. Faramade Adefolaju, welcomed participants on behalf of the Provincial Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Lucas Olumide Ojo, urging them to embrace the retreat as a moment of grace and recommitment. She encouraged the women to remain steadfast in faith and active in supporting the mission of the Church at all levels.

 

One of the major highlights of the retreat was a courtesy visit to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, who warmly received the delegates. He charged them to reflect deeply on the retreat theme and to strengthen their indispensable role in evangelization.

 

The Bishop further informed the gathering that Nigerian Bishops had recently returned from Rome, where they met with Pope Leo XIV and presented reports on the pastoral realities of their dioceses to the Holy Father.

 

Delivering the homily at the retreat Mass, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adeboyejo called for sincere self-examination among the faithful, reminding them that “no one is perfect.” He posed a reflective question to participants: “What will God have against me?” stressing that true prayer must be directed to God and not to self, as illustrated by the Pharisee in the Gospel.

“Most times, we pray to ourselves and not to God,” he said, adding that what truly matters is “the consciousness of who we are in the presence of God.” He emphasized that Christ must remain at the centre of the Christian life. He urged the faithful to continually approach the throne of grace with humility and trust.

 “The more we centre our attention on Christ, the more we see our unworthiness and our need for grace and mercy.” The homilist charged the delegates.

 

Fr. Adeboyejo also delivered a talk that reflected on Luke 4:18, describing it as Christ’s manifesto, and called on mothers to demonstrate God’s love through concrete actions. He stressed that family remains the first and most vital place where vocations to the priesthood and religious life are nurtured.

Another key presentation at the retreat titled “Mary and the Virtue of Hope” was delivered by Rev. Fr. Michael Ajiboye, who highlighted the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of unwavering hope. He explained that hope is rooted in trust in God’s promises, even in difficult and uncertain moments, encouraging mothers to emulate Mary’s faith, patience, and perseverance in raising their families.

 

The second day of the retreat was dedicated to meetings and deliberations, where delegates discussed issues affecting the organization and the wider Church. Among the key points raised was the need for qualified leadership at Ave Maria School, with a call for a competent Lay Principal, as accommodation is available, or for a suitable individual to lease and manage the institution.

 

Other matters discussed included preparations for upcoming national programmes, strengthening accountability in leadership, and initiatives aimed at enhancing unity and welfare within IPCWO.

 

In her closing remarks, Amb. Mrs. Faramade Adefolaju expressed gratitude to all delegates for their active participation and commitment throughout the retreat. She prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection, wishing them safe journeys back to their various dioceses.

 

The retreat reaffirmed the vital role of Catholic women as pillars of faith, family, and evangelization, and as true collaborators in the mission of the Church.