Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Oke – Offa Deanery on Tuesday, 24th March, 2026 gathered round the Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin to celebrate this year’s Cathedraticum at a Mass Presided over by the Archbishop himself.

The Dean of Oke – Offa deanery, Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Idowu welcomed His Grace, The Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami; Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade; Archdiocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade; Monsignori, Deans in the Archdiocese, priests, religious and lay faithful to St. Cyprian’s Catholic Church, Oke – Offa for the celebration.

In his homily themed: “Cathedraticum, our invitation to looking upon the lifted-up Christ” Rev. Fr. Henry Ogbonna CSsR explained the meaning of Cathedraticum while also emphasizing that the work of an Archbishop is of spiritual and physical dimensions, and that the Chair, Cathedra, is a symbol of unity and not of power, hence the gathering of the priests and the faithful affirms their loyalty to Christ’s teaching.

The homilist, who added that the Church looks at Bishop as a sign of unity enjoined all to always make Jesus their focus at every moment by emulating His characteristics, practice forgiveness, humility and love, live a sanctified life, serve others in humility, put others first, help their neighbours and be grateful for all that God has given them.

Fr. Ogbonna warned against complaining like the Israelites as read in the day’s reading, adding that complaints must not affect their relationship with God. He therefore urged all to give and support the Archbishop in his work of charity to the poor and needy by giving generously and not grudgingly.

The priest admonished too, that in the event of tribulations, the faithful should look up to the Crucifix for consolation and healing.

The Archbishop prayed and blessed all before thanksgiving procession took place on parish by parish basis, followed by the lay organizations and groups in the Church; where all danced forward with their gifts in thanksgiving.

Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Idowu gave a vote of thanks. Likewise, the Archbishop thanked all for coming out in large number for the celebration. His Grace appreciated the Management and Students of College of Health Sciences for coming to the event in their numbers.

The Thanksgiving Mass was followed by snapping of group photographs and light refreshment as provided by the host parish.