Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has admonished those in public offices to take it lightly if they are being criticized. His Grace gave this admonition while giving his remarks during the Archdiocese of Ibadan Requiem Mass for the Late Pope Francis (as directed by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria) held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday 3rd May, 2025.

The requiem Mass was attended by His Grace, who was also the Chief Celebrant; the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami; the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade; Monsignori, priests, religious and lay faithful adorned in their different lay organizations’ uniforms.

Appreciating the clergy and the lay faithful for coming for the requiem Mass, the Archbishop noted that people are often appreciated after their death. His Grace recalled a lot of attacks and criticisms against the Late Pope Francis while he was still alive and said such is life. He however enjoined all thus: “If you’re doing good and you’re being attacked, just keep on doing the good.”

The Prelate noted that ordinations were ongoing in two Religious Communities same day, if not, the venue for the requiem Mass would have witnessed more influx of religious and faithful. His Grace also thanked the Parish Priest and the Parishioners of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Basorun for the preparation made for the celebration as well as thanked all the clergy, religious and lay faithful in attendance.

The Archbishop extolled the good virtues of the Late Pope Francis which included his simplicity, feelings for the poor and the needy, peaceful co-existence of all, irrespective of religious and regional differences.

The Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese also used the occasion to appeal to parish priests and their parishioners to avoid prolonged celebration as a result of thanksgiving as he said there is no point coming one by one for thanksgivings, since God sees whatever individual is offering. He added too, that any anonymous donation to any parish for parish development must be made known to him and not just be kept secret at the parish level only.

Earlier in his reflection at the requiem Mass, the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade has described death as a dry season that seems to rub man of everything but only for a little while. He added that it is right to conclude that God is the Lord of life, hence the good news of the discovery of an empty tomb and angels saying “why looking for the living among the dead?” This means, God has swallowed death as death has no final say. “Death takes a new dimension with the resurrection of Christ, for Christ still remains with us.”

The homilist stated that the gathering was to celebrate the ‘Servant of Servants’ whose papacy lasted 12years, 1st Pope from American that showed interest in the marginalized. Great reformer and ‘People’s Pope’ as being described even by the Muslim Cleric, to show the complexity of human nature.

Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade also extolled Late Pope Francis’ engagement of the world leaders on the importance of peace and love in the world. “No wonder, he died second day of Easter.” The homilist stated.

The priest admonished all to live in hope rather than in fear and use the privileges God has given to each properly. “Pope Francis is an exemplary in this regard. The manner of his burial demonstrated simplicity.” Hence, he enjoined all to pray that God grants the Late Pope Francis reward of eternal life and that the angels and saints in heaven welcome him.

There was snapping of group photographs as instructed by His Grace after the requiem Mass and distribution of refreshment as provided by the Host Parish.