It was a day of jubilation, joy and thanksgiving for the entire Parishioners and the Parish Priest of St. Michael Catholic Church, Yemetu, Ibadan on Sunday, 29th September, 2024 as the Parish celebrated her 60th anniversary, 75th birthday anniversary of the Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, the Parish Cultural Day, Launching of the Youth Centre and Confirmation of 21 Catechumens.

The Thanksgiving Mass had the Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most. Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin as the Chief Celebrant. Concelebrating with him were, Dean of Oke-Padi Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade, the immediate Past Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Felix Akinyode, the Superior Servant of Charity Congregation Very Rev. Fr. Vitus Unegbu (SC), the son of the soil, Rev. Fr. Israel Ogundipe and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Onyema.

The Archbishop who was welcomed on arrival by the members of the Parish who presented him with a bouquet of flowers expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome given to him.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Felix Akinyode stated that as a Parish, we are celebrating sixty years of God’s faithfulness, fruitfulness and oneness.

Speaking further, Fr. Akinyode said that celebrating sixty years of St. Michael Parish Yemetu, the Church on the hill is an opportunity to recall the past and make an assessment. What we celebrate is the life of the Church, the Church is our mother. Through the sacrament of baptism, the Church continues to give birth to life.

Making reference to the scriptures, he said that the Disciples of Christ were in the Upper room, they were afraid, but when the Holy Spirit came, they began to speak in different languages and that speaks the cultural day that we celebrate today. The Holy Spirit is the giver of life.

To the newly confirmed, Fr. Akinyode made it known that, as they have received the sacrament of confirmation, that the Holy Spirit is not dead. You don’t live life for yourselves alone but for others, Fr. Akinyode stated. 

To the youth, Fr. Akinyode urged them to always take responsibility. Bringing life into the world, making positive impact is the ultimate.

Fr. Akinyode, speaking on the 75th birthday anniversary of the Archbishop stated that 29th September is the actual day that our Archbishop was born and that happens to be the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. He prayed that God continues to strengthen him and increase his days in His vineyard.

In conclusion, he prayed that God grants all the grace to use what God has given to us for the betterment of our society.

His Grace in his remarks, appreciated the congregation of Charity for their unflinching support to the Parish and for being part of the celebration.

The Prelate also used the medium to appreciate Dioceses and Archdioceses for celebrating him. He commended everyone, both old and young for their contributions towards the growth of the Parish.

The Archbishop also encouraged the faithful to be committed and not to be lazy. ‘St. Michael Yemetu is a complete Church and not a small Church’, His Grace stated.     

He also admonished the congregation to keep the Parish going and to pray and work hard.

The Chief Shepherd also commended the members of St. Luke Chaplaincy U.C.H for their support to St. Michael Community, imploring them to work together. We are not dividing the Church, but for easy administration, His Grace explained.

The Prelate also made it known that, he was celebrated not because of his birthday but for what God has done in his life and for what God is using him to do. He added that he is just an instrument in the hands of God.

Speaking to the newly confirmed, the Prelate stated that with this confirmation, they have been commissioned and that they should not run away. ‘You have been taught so you too teach people as well’, he admonished. He also encouraged them to read some small prayer books that the homily of thirty minutes or forty minutes is not enough. Pray enough to be proud of your Church, pray enough to teach Catechism. Don’t be shy to be a Catholic, be proud of your Church. His Grace reiterated.

The Archbishop also stated that no Church is greater than Catholic Church. Everything you need is in the Church, continue to practice what you met on ground. The Church is a Church of morality, history and tradition. He stated.

Speaking to the parents, His Grace encouraged them to support the Church and the youth but not to make noise. He also encouraged them to patronize Catholic Schools, for example, the School of Nursing at Oluyoro, stating that education is not cheap at all and that the Church cannot run free education. Let us join hands together to maintain our schools, the Archbishop advised.

Also present at the celebration were, Rev. Sr. Immaculata Obi (DDL), the Headmistress, Holy Infant Jesus Nursery and Primary School, Yemetu Ibadan and Rev. Sr. Purisima (DDL). There were group photographs with the Archbishop after the Mass.

The event continued at the school compound where the opening prayer was said by Rev. Fr. Charles Onyema followed by a welcome parade by HCA of the Parish.

The Planning Committee Chairperson, Lady C.Y. Oke in her welcome address stated that this milestone is a testimony of the enduring faith, commitment and love of all who have been part of our Parish over the years. Speaking on the theme of the celebration; “Build the youth, Build the Church”. She stated that our future lies in the hands of our young people.

Therefore, it is our responsibility to nurture, guide and support them as they grow in faith and leadership within the Church and beyond. 

Our mission is not just to celebrate the past, but to lay a solid foundation for the future, the Chairperson reiterated. She then encouraged everyone to be part of this noble endeavour as their support and donations towards the Youth Centre will not only commemorate the 60th anniversary but will also serve as a lasting legacy that embodies the spirit of “Building the youth, Building the Church”.

The Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Sir J. C. O. Ogunfiditimi in his address appreciated the good works of the Priests and the Religious who have served in the past including the lay faithful. Speaking on the cultural day celebration, he said that even though we have diverse tribes and tongues, we are celebrating our oneness.

Recounting God’s blessings, the Parish has produced a Bishop, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo (Abeokuta Diocese), Msgr. Theophilus Fadeyi (the Parish Priest, St. Cyprain Oke-Ofa). Rev. Fr. Israel Ogundipe, Rev. Sr. Mary Remi Adedeji. (HHCJ) and Rev. Sr. Mayfred Ejiro Okandeji. As Part of the achievements of the Parish, the Parish through the support of our Chief Shepherd has secured a Land at Kannike near Beere for planting of another Church. 

Other activities included, Breaking of Kolanuts and other symbols of prayers by the Zone leaders, cultural display by different zones, donations, cutting of the 60th anniversary cake and 75th birthday cake of the Archbishop, presentation of certificates to the participants of the spelling-bee competition organized by the Parish C. W.O. The vote of thanks was given by the C.M.O President Mr. Augustine Odiba. Closing prayer by Rev. Fr. Israel Ogundipe while the Archbishop gave the blessing.