“Today is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It is an important feast for Catholic for three reasons: It is another manifestation of Jesus, symbol of the willingness of Jesus to identify with humanity for man’s salvation and the need for spiritual re-birth and purification.”

Those were the opening remarks of Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ, during the celebration of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan on Sunday 12th January 12, 2025.

The Co-celebrant of the day’s Mass, Rev. Fr. Stephen Daniel, CSJ during homily also emphasized that like Christ’s baptism began His public ministry, Catholic faithful too, have the responsibility to start working for their own salvation if they have not yet started.

Fr. Daniel explained that Christ accepted to be baptized, even though He was sinless; to show humility and by so doing left example for us all; hence He, the Divine was born in the Manger. Other reasons why Christ was baptized are to fulfil righteousness, to show obedience, to create an identity as a Messiah and to receive God confirmation.

The priest added that Christ wants to live with us, associate with us and so we too should be ready to associate with the Father in prayer like Christ, who is Divine also prays to Father always. “Prayer is not a duty but to show the importance of the Father to us. We too need to communicate to our Father, no matter the situation. In our private way, like Christ, we should pray.”

The Josephite’s priest condemned the notion of many Christians that often think God is far away from them. He encouraged that such Christians should not be down-hearted, afraid or go tired but always go on their knees to call on God to strengthen then. “Since God has confirmed Christ, we too have to rely on Him, for from Him only we can derive good virtues to gain salvation. Don’t think you’re far away from God, by baptism, you’re also priest, prophet and king. The priest stated.

The parish, Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria at the Mass also held a thanksgiving for a successful 3-day’s prayer, praise and worship that ran from 8th to 10th January, 2025. The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun thanked the priests for celebrating the Mass with the parishioners.