The entire lay faithful of Ibadan Archdiocese gathered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ilupeju, Ibadan on Sunday, 16th March 2025, for the opening Mass of the year’s laity week, with the theme “Upholding and promoting the Liturgy among Catholics”.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Leke Abegunrin was the Chief celebrant. Concelebrated with him were the Archdiocesan Laity Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale and the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ilupeju, Rev. Fr. Joseph Akinbinu.

In his homily, Fr Akinbinu said that, there is a difference between “Listening and hearing”. According to him, we can hear but we will not know where the message is coming from. But if we listen we will understand every message. He then posed some mind-searching questions: How much of Jesus do you listen to? How much of His commands do you follow?  How do we make his presence felt among our neighbors? We are His beloved and His servants, therefore, we must live a life worthy of emulation. The priest admonished.

Speaking further, the homilist said that the message is “Listen to Him”. It is when we listen to him that we can be transfigured, transformed in body, soul and spirit. The more we listen to Him the more our lives become better. The priest reiterated.

His Grace in his remarks, commended the laity for starting the week with a Holy Mass. He stated that the Laity Week is for everybody. He pointed out the idea of “My will be done and not your will” which is very common among the lay faithful.

“Learn to obey, if we cannot obey, then we cannot move forward. Humility is very essential.” The Prelate stated.

Speaking on Church development, the Chief Shepherd commended some parishes for the structural development and encouraged others to work harder. He also admonished the laity to co-operate with their priests and work together with them. He added that, the laity needs to support the Archdiocese in order to give the new Archbishop a befitting house.

In conclusion, the Prelate informed the laity that very soon there will be three Archbishops in the Archdiocese, therefore, they should be ready to take care of them. He then wished the laity a successful laity week.

The Archdiocesan Laity President, Mr Felix Oladokun, in his address appreciated the Archbishop for making himself available for the Laity despite his tight schedule.

The President enjoined the lay faithful to reflect on their calling as faithful followers of Christ and their role in spreading the gospel message to all corners of the world, as we celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Speaking further, the President said that, “as co-missionaries of evangelization, we have a significant role to play in spreading the gospel. Let us embrace our calling with courage, dedication and love despite the challenges we may face. By doing so, we can make a profound impact on the world and win many souls for Christ.”

He then encouraged everyone to participate actively in all the activities for the Laity Week and make it truly our week as a lay faithful.

Group photographs were taken after the Mass while a sumptuous lunch was given to everyone.