It was celebration galore at the Congregation of St. Joseph (Josephites of Murialdo), Ogbere Resettlement Scheme, off Akanran Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria on Wednesday 19th March 2025, as the Congregation celebrated its Patron Feast Day, St. Joseph (19th March) and the 152nd anniversary of the birth of the Congregation.

The glorious and memorable event started with a Solemn Mass and concluded with a love feast where all in attendance were served food, drinks, snacks, fruits, pepper soup and also entertained with quiz and music.

The Chief Celebrant of the anniversary Mass was the Superior of the Congregation in Ogbere, Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ. He was joined in the celebration of the Holy Mass by Frs: Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ and Arnauld Aniou, CSJ and the Seminarians of the Congregation.

The Mass was also attended by representative of the Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, Ogbere Convent and Parishioners of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan.

The Chief Celebrant at the introductory part offered the Mass for the intentions of the Congregation and also prayed for the members of the Congregation that have died as well as members that lost their close relatives, that God grant the departed souls eternal rest.

In his homily, the Chief celebrant invited all to reflect on the virtues of St. Joseph as the Church celebrates the feast of St. Joseph, who had been chosen by the founder of the Congregation, St. Leonard of Murialdo as its Patron and also on the occasion of the 152nd anniversary of the birth of the Congregation.

Fr. Adeka applauded the virtues of St. Joseph, who has been described by different authors as a ‘Just Man, Husband of Blessed Virgin Mary, Faithful and Prudent servant, Righteous man, Dreamer etc, saying those virtues are beautiful descriptions and roles of St. Joseph in the Eucharistic celebration of the day.

The priest further described St. Joseph as a man who allowed God’s word and accepted same, without thinking of his own will. As a Just man, Fr. Adeka said that St. Joseph carried out his duties to God and to fellow human beings, obeyed Mosaic law by naming Jesus on the 8th day, obeyed God’s law by presenting Jesus in the Temple, bringing Him to the Temple for the purification, taking his wife for censor and searching for Jesus when lost in the Jerusalem.

The homilist added that St. Joseph carried out his duties to others faithfully. To his wife, Mary, by giving her protection and not exposing her. To Jesus, by protecting Him, loving Him, training Him and as a dreamer, St. Joseph raised his mind to God in all circumstances.

As a silent Saint, St. Joseph always did the will of God. He courageously fulfilled his protective roles, hence, the priest enjoined all of the need to consult, be just, responsible, God fearing, protective and to raise our families in the spirit of the Holy Family like St. Joseph did.

Fr. Justine Adeka, CSJ turning to the Congregation’s Seminarians, urged them to follow the heart of the Congregation’s Founder who wished them to be like St. Joseph by living like fathers, brothers and friends to the underprivileged and bringing them up in the fear of the Lord.

During the second part of the celebration, which was a love feast; Rev. Fr. Justine Adeka appreciated everyone in attendance for coming to rejoice with the Congregation and also delivered the ‘Message of Blessing’ from the Congregation’s African Superior.

Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Okonta, CSJ also joined the celebration during the second part.

Apart from the merry making during the love feast, there was a sort of quiz competition about the life of St. Joseph; as anchored by the Master of the Ceremony, Bro. Stephen Igwe, CSJ; who also gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Congregation. It was indeed an event to behold.