The relevance of the Holy Eucharist and its place at the heart of the Church has been re-emphasized by the Church. This was well expressed by the Chaplain of Our Lady of Perpetual Light Parish, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The Chaplain Rev. Fr. Michael Akinwumi Akinsode, made this clear while expressing his worries at the rate at which some Catholic Faithful toyed with Communion as well as desecrated things belonging to God and the Church, which he described as  disturbing. 

Visibly worried and angered by the way some faithful treat the Holy Eucharist (after reception in their palms) as well as how they  litter the Church during and after Mass, Fr. Akinsode had to send stern warning to those who are involved in such acts,  to beware.

The Clergyman, who gave the warning during the Mass celebration of 23rd February 2025, wondered how any sane human being (especially one who claims to be a Catholic) would ever think of littering the Church with biscuits and sweet wraps, pure water sachet and empty bottles of soft drink. He maintained that as far as the Church is concerned, no good Catholic would think of eating or drinking inside the Church talk more of littering the premises.

Fr. Akinsode also pointed out that the growing trend among some Catholics, who after receiving Communion in their palms and  would not consume it immediately, as directed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), must be checked and stopped.  He argued that as far as he is concerned, the trend has not been established within the Chaplaincy and that once traces of such conduct is established (within the Chaplaincy), he may be forced to make pronouncement banning the reception of the Holy Communion in the palms. He particular asked the parishioners to reflect on how the Church arrived at the issue of Communion on the palm and as such should not abuse such privilege.

Fr. Akinsode advised Catholics to appreciate the richness and sanctity of the Catholic Church (especially the Holy Eucharist) which is not found in other denominations.

        Other highlights of the Mass was the thanksgiving of Prof. and Prof. (Mrs) Ogbimi and Family, who celebrated their forty five years of Marriage, Seventy five years birthday anniversary of Prof. Francis Ogbimi, Seventy Year Birthday Celebration of his wife Prof (Mrs) Grace Ogbimi as well as her retirement from active service of the the Obafemi Awolowo Uninersity, Ile-Ife. There was also the inauguration of the new Catholic Women Organization Executives of the Chaplaincy under the leadership of Mrs. Bridget Uchenna Egwu.

The Priest prayed for God’s blessings on those celebrating as well as the newly inaugurated executive members of the Catholic Women’s Organization.