Catholic worldwide began a New Liturgical Year (Year C) on December 1, 2024 with the celebration of the 1st Sunday of Advent.

The day also served as the first day of a new month, first day of a new week as well as the Harvest and Cultural Thanksgiving Day for the parishioners of St. Anne Parish, Ogbere, Ibadan.

The Mass was celebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ while Fr. Ikechukwu, CSJ joined during the thanksgiving.

The parish priest has said at the introduction of the Mass: “It is harvest, it is thanksgiving, it is not just harvest but cultural thanksgiving. It is another month, it is another liturgical year, let us pray to God to continue to uphold us.”

In his homily, Fr. Adeka, CSJ reminded all that the advent message being brought to all is that despite our situations, God never abandoned His people.

The priest encouraged all to let their hearts be large with love, to be optimistic in life for the coming of the Lord does not make them shake, having done their best, there is hope in their life. “The Gospel reading warned against being discouraged. Be vigilant and prayerful. Let us make decision to be hopeful in life and have that confidence that the Lord’s coming is an opportunity for us to be redeemed.”

On the day’s harvest celebration, Fr. Adeka said the appearance of the parishioners demonstrated their hope in God, despite the situations in the country. He therefore admonished them to let the message of hope sink into their hearts and that they all should be messengers of hope to those around them.

There were thanksgivings by all in categories to express gratitude to God for witnessing the day by both Mother Parish and Outstations members.

It was also announced that Igbo group came first in the cultural thanksgiving, followed by Yoruba and then other cultures. The parish priest appreciated all and urged that they improve on the cultural thanksgiving in the coming years

The second part witnessed breaking of kola, egg eating competition, HCA, Igbo and Yoruba dances, ‘Ewi’ by a member from Amuloko station followed by bazaar sales.

The Chairman of Harvest Planning committee, Mr Joseph Olayiwola thanked the parish priest, the guests and all the parishioners of Ogbere and Outstations. He appreciated the efforts of the Parish Priest on the Mission House and also for teaching all that Nigeria is still good in our backyard with his maize farm within the Church premises. The Parish Priest appreciated the Josephite’s Priests, Seminarians, Sisters of Jesus the Saviour and all the parishioners for the success of the harvest and cultural thanksgiving. He equally thanked the visitors that attended the occasion.

The event came to a close after snapping of group photographs with prayer said by Catechist Mathias and the blessing by the Parish Priest.