The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has again called on Catholic Lay Faithful to always support the Church whenever it comes to Laity affairs.

The Archbishop made the call during his reflection at the Lay Apostolate 2024 Harvest Thanksgiving, held on Saturday, 13th July 2024 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Orita-Challenge, Ibadan.

The Lay Apostolate Harvest Thanksgiving Mass which had His Grace as the Chief Celebrant was concelebrated by sixteen priests and a deacon, including the Laity Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale; the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami; the Pastoral Vicar, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade, Msgr Joseph Idowu and the Parish Priest of St Leo Parish, Rev. Fr. Charles Acheneje (SMA). 

Also in attendance were Laity Executives, representatives of lay organizations and parishes across the Archdiocese.

 

The Archdiocesan Laity Chaplain, V. Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale welcomed the clergy and lay faithful to the 2024 Lay Apostolate Harvest Thanksgiving, which was the second leg of lined-up activities towards the completion of a new Secretariat Building to house the Chancery and other important offices in the Archdiocese.

The first leg was the ‘Luncheon with the Archbishop’ held at Church of Ascension on Saturday 8th June 2024.

The Archbishop in answering the Biblical question “Who shall I send?” stated that the Church is sending the laity, whom he added are blessed with various gifts like our country Nigeria has been blessed with many languages and natural resources.

His Grace however, condemned a notion by some Catholic faithful, who only recognize the executive members as Laity by saying that the notion is wrong. “No, even our seminarians in cassocks are laity until they become clergy.”

The Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese said a lot of things need to be done in the Church but sometimes, no one to do it as majority often failed to show up, dodged or even refused.

He added that the Lay Apostolate Harvest is meant for all to thank God for all the activities of lay faithful’s homes, offices etc, in the last one year; for in our various vocations, we still meet somewhere, sometimes.

However, he condemned the act of collecting items from outside to sell at the Bazaar. “Give what you have”, the Prelate admonished. 

 

Making reference to the pronouncement of the Supreme Court about the Local government Finance Autonomy for which he urged all to pray for it to work so that there can be peace in the country, His Grace observed that there is no special Finance Council in Ibadan Archdiocese like in other places. “Every parish has parish council but finance committee is not working in many parishes. That is not good.

Every committee you set up in your parishes must work. When we have true dialogue, many suggestions will come and we choose the best.” His Grace stated. 

The Prelate therefore tasked all to speak out the truth that they have in them for the days of fear are gone, even as he called on past exco to always support the incumbent.

His Grace also charged the Laity in parishes to always pass through their parish priests on anything they need his approval.

He cautioned laity against misuse of positions because of their status which made some of them to be asking priests to come and celebrate birthday thanksgiving Mass in their homes, or two persons not wanting to come out for thanksgiving together, saying it becomes a pride before God asking that Mass be celebrated in your house.

Hence, His Grace said: “Some of you are so friendly with Bishops or priests, that is good but don’t mislead any priest. Leave the priests to do their job. Go to your priests for parish thing, not Bishop. Anything about the parishes, I want to hear from the priests.”

His grace concluded his homily by charging all to do whatever they want to do with good conscience. “There is only one body of Christ, though many parts. The same communion for all. Let us try to change our attitude by imitating Christ.”

Archbishop Abegunrin later prayed and blessed all before the thanksgiving proper, which was done in batches and concluded by clergy thanksgiving led by the Vicar-General and Laity Chaplain in the Archdiocese.

Archdiocesan Laity President, Mr Felix Olujide Oladokun also addressed all. He thanked both clergy and laity for their presence to appreciate God’s goodness. The president also stated that this harvest is the second under his tenure.

He added that, since the harvest was changed to Saturday, the turnout has been wonderful. He urged all to donate generously as he said there is more happiness in giving than in receiving, promising too that whatever realized would be used for the Archdiocesan Secretariat.

 

The second phase of the 2024 Lay apostolate Harvest took place in front of the parish hall where there was breaking of Kola, salute by MOD led by Msgr. Joseph Idowu, cutting of the cake as well as refreshment.

Those wishing to support the project are also urged to send in their donations to Laity Account Number: 0004712670, Union Bank.

A vote of thanks was also made by the Secretary of the Harvest Planning Committee, Mr. Adenuga Denis A. on behalf of Harvest Planning Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Christiana Folorunsho after which Host Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Acheneje (SMA) gave the closing prayer and the final blessing by Archbishop Abegunrin.