Kingsley UGWUMBA

 

This year’s Easter Picnic, also known as Meet-Me-in-Galilee celebration, was held at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State with the Holy Mass, which was con-celebrated by the Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. (Dr.) Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Awotoye, and Assistant Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peace Jemibor.

 

The picnic commenced immediately after the Eucharistic celebration, followed by the playing of a variety of music to set a joyful atmosphere in place. The master of ceremonies at the occasion, Sir Dominic Oko, warmly welcomed and acknowledged the presence of distinguished personalities, including His Grace and the Archbishop; Reverend Sisters; Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Prof. Nnamdi Jibiri; President, Parish Laity Council (PLC), Dr. Adewale Kupoluyi, alongside other guests and parishioners present.

 

The welcome address was delivered by the PLC President, Dr. Adewale Kupoluyi, who expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to gather for the Easter Picnic. He encouraged everyone to share meals in love and unity and to interact freely, noting that the event would be both engaging and entertaining. Refreshments began to flow with the serving of drinks. This was followed by the orderly distribution of food with servers ensuring that everyone was attended to without omissions.

 

The celebration featured several entertaining performances, beginning with a delightful presentation by the Holy Childhood Association children of the Parish, who sang the Easter song, “Christ is Risen”. This was followed by a vibrant cultural display from the Hausa community, who performed in their traditional attires, showcasing energetic and exciting dance steps. Children’s chair-dance and dancing competition was also held, where participants danced around chairs, and those unable to secure a seat when the music stopped were eliminated under a friendly atmosphere.

 

As these side attractions and games were gradually progressing, elderly men and women took to the dancing floor, enjoying classic and old music, creating a lively atmosphere, as the youths of the Parish also did a dancing presentation to the admiration of all. A notable moment during the celebration was the active participation by the Parish leaders, as the Parish Priest, PPC Chairman, PLC President joined on the dancing floor, further enhancing the joyful atmosphere of the event.

 

The cake-cutting ceremony took place thereafter, as some guests and parishioners were invited to join the Archbishop for group photographs. The vote of thanks was given by the Vice President and Chairperson, Programmes Committee of the PLC, Mrs. Christiana Adegebo, who expressed her sincere appreciation to the Archbishop, Parish Priests, Reverend Sisters, and parishioners in general for their presence, support and immense contributions that made the day a reality while the event continued till later in the day with more interactions, dancing and merriment.