Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese on 1 January, 2025 at St. Mary Cathedral, Oke Padi, Ibadan, thanked the entire members of Ibadan Archdiocese for their numerous support over the years and most especially that of 2024.

"This is the Cathedral, the Seat of the Archdiocese, when the Chair is removed, it's no more Cathedral. That Chair is the Cathedral. It is the mother Church of the Archdiocese. Whatever I say here, I am saying it to the whole Archdiocese." His Grace stated.

 

Archbishop Abegunrin noted that he could still stand straight at over 75 years because of the support from the people of God. "Our seminarians, priests and religious are looking good because you've been supporting us. I must confess, many of you have done so much for us. There are some priests that have not bought a single shirt by themselves. You've been buying it and sewing Cassocks and even clothing materials that they call Senator style for some of them that wear it, and it looks good on them. Thank you for your generosity. Though, I will still thank you again at the Bishop’s House in Onireke."

 

The Archbishop implored other parishes in the Archdiocese to always respond to prayers by saying amen loud and clear because it's an affirmation that it will be. He said the Cathedral parishioners have been doing well in that aspect that it's worthy of emulation. "As we continue to say amen, may all our prayers be answered. May this year be a year of fulfilling hope for everyone through Christ our Lord."

Archbishop Abegunrin also encouraged parents to visit bookshops and buy good booklets for their children so that they can know more about God and Catholic faith. “Homily alone cannot do it. When there is program at the Archdiocese as well, please, try to attend."

 

He as well noted that he is happy anytime he sees Catholic representing the Church very well. "Though, people use rosary these days, but whenever I see rosary in anyone's car, I say that is my brother, that is my sister. And when you drive well, I'm happy, but when you drive roughly, I feel ashamed. Please, wherever you are, represent the Church well and move her name forward."

 

"We don't do palliative once in a year. Many parishes do it every month." The Bishop cited an example of Ascension parish where they have a kind of food bank and share twice every month for nothing less than six hundred people through the committee delegated and that most of the time, Catholics are not up to four that benefit from it. And that there was a time they only prepared for six hundred people and there were other hundred people left, that the Chairman of the Committee went out with his own ATM card and give the remaining hundred people his personal money to buy the food items for themselves.

 

Archbishop Gabriel said a lounge is now built in the name of the Catholic Church at the University College Hospital (UCH) Emergency area. Where people can relax and see television stations and use rest rooms unlike before when people sit on the floor and stranded. "We have as well finished the Emeritus Archbishop House that could accommodate three Emeritus Bishops, including their Stewards, because it is possible we have up to three Emeritus. Though, we have not furnished everything, including my own apartment, but two days before the New Year, I packed in and opened the building with a Mass because I have a tabernacle there. I will be there till my retirement letter arrives. All these were achieved through your support. Thank you for your support and unending generosity. May God bless you all." His Grace prayed.