Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty was on a pastoral visit to the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode from April 10 to 13, 2026. The pastoral visit with the theme: “Communion and Mission in the Local Church” enabled the Papal Nuncio to visit the Ogun State Governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, meet with the clergy, religious men and women and the lay faithful across various groups and apostolate, the diasporans and the Catholic Ijebu Obas (Traditional rulers) to foster dialogue, listening, and sharing vision for the growth of the Church in the local context.

The visit highlights also included the ordination of ten deacons to the Sacred Order of Priesthood on 11th April 2026 at Christ the King Catholic College, Odolewu, Ijebu and the commissioning of the Diocesan Museum of Art and History (CAMAH) on Sunday 12th April, 2026.

At a Press Conference on Saturday 11th April, 2026, the Papal Nuncio described the pastoral visit as a manifestation of Church that is alive in four different ways thus: a new springtime of vocation to priesthood; vision of Pope Leo XIV, who calls all to renewal in charity; peace & natural stability and charge to the new priests as spiritual sons of Pope Leo to carry the light of Christ to every corner. Archbishop Crotty, on behalf of the Pope commended the Bishops in Nigeria for speaking the mind of the Pontiff on the need for peace and the evangelization of the Gospel to all the nations, especially in their communiques after their meeting recently.

Bishop Francis Adesina also challenged all to be concerned about the future of our country by participating in the politics of the nation apart from praying for the country. On the cost of obtaining a form, as an expression of interest in politics which is far beyond common man’s power, Bishop Adesina advised that those interested need to engage in networking by joining political party appropriately and that when people see their genuine intention, they are likely to support their candidature financially.

The Diocesan Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick O. Balogun was also in attendance at the press conference as well as members of the organizing committee for the Pastoral Visit.

Earlier during the priestly ordination Mass that saw Revs: Emmanuel Chinonso Ezugwu, MST; Matthew Chukwunonso Ekwochi, MST; Odihi Lawrena Anebi, MST; Vernatius Obinna Ndirimoha, MST; Okeke Anthony Azubuike; Antim Christian Arinzechukwu; Abah Herbert Okwudili; Ezejelue McDonald Obumneme; Solomon Nwachukwu and Aneke Chukwuemeka Valentine being raised to the Sacred Order of Priesthood, the Papal Nuncio stated that “without priest, there is no Eucharist and without the Eucharist, there is no Church.”

Archbishop Crotty thanked Bishop Adesina for the invitation to preside over the priestly ordination Mass to mark his visitation to the Diocese.

His Grace explained further that priests are gifts to the Church, they act the person of Christ and become representatives among Christ and His people; and so, prayed that the newly ordained found fulfilment in their ministry as Catholic priests.

Papal Nuncio charged them never to forget that they are an instruments of Christ, that they are to imitate Christ as they promised obedience to Bishop and his superior, to conform themselves closely to the person of Christ, avoid materialism, attend to their souls as well through the sacrament of reconciliation and to allow the joy of the day see them through whenever there are ups and downs and challenges.

The rites of ordination was later performed, followed by prayer and blessing by the new priests, thanksgiving and vote of thanks by the Chancellor of the Diocese and then snapping of group photographs and entertainment of the guests.

The Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, priests, religious and lay faithful expressed their gratitude to the Papal Nuncio and by extension, to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV for the pastoral visit and its effects on the Diocese (which was created on 29th May, 1969 with Bishop Anthony Sanusi as its first Bishop) and State in particular and the country at large.