Rev. Fr. Peter IBIMILUYI & Jacob BABALOLA

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has said that Christians have a lot of prayer to offer for our country and the world in order to stop criminal activities, injustice, killings and war that are often caused by human being. His grace said this while declaring open the 2025 Pentecost Vigil/Pilgrimage (Year of Hope Special Edition) with the theme: “Our Mother of Hope (cf. Acts 1:14) from Friday 6th to Saturday 7th June 2025 at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Grotto, Eleta, Ibadan.

The Archbishop, who welcomed both clergy, religious and lay faithful to the Centre appealed that the activities already scheduled be done better than it was in the previous vigil.

The Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese thanked the Director of the Grotto, Rev. Fr. Felix Adedigba and his team for working hard to see the Centre’s size more than double, when compared to its size before now.

The opening remarks by the Archbishop was followed by Eucharistic adoration led by Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasakin and the Penitential service conducted by Rev. Fr. Johnson Iwuala, who reflected on Revelation 2:1-5.

The priest admonished all to remember the prodigal son and learn from how he retraced his footsteps to the first love and do the same; for he said the Lord has his hands opened to receive anyone that is ready to return to Him. The reflection was followed by individual confession.

Participants also took part is candle light procession with Rosary prayer to Our Mother of Hope, as led by Basorun parish after which members of Catholic Artists and Entertainers’ Association of Nigeria (CAEAN), Ibadan presented a drama to showcase the power of seeking the intercession of Our Mother of Hope through the prayer of Rosary; rather than jumping from one mountain to another in search of solutions to our problems.

Also while delivering a talk that centres on Hope, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ogunnipebi buttressed on the power of Hope in Christians’ lives. He encouraged that whenever Christians are in hopeless situations, they should bring their problems to God through the help of Our Mother Mary.

The priest educated that Mary’s journey on earth was that of hope, hence, she was able to follow her Son in every situation; unlike most Christians today who often look for convenience only. Mary’s hope, the priest added carried her to the joy of resurrection; hence he enjoined all to also walk in hope with God.

Fr. Ogunnipebi noted that many Christians have forgotten the power of heaven and that this is what is affecting us in the country such that never a day passed without bad news in the media. The priest then appealed that Christians open their hearts to the Holy Spirit this Pentecost and also honour Mary who guides and intercedes; for it is in this they can find renewed hope and strength in their Christians’ journey of life.

Other highlights of the Pilgrimage/Vigil were praise and worship; intercessory prayer led by Rev. Fr. Leo Ukwani, OSJ; Divine Mercy prayer and the blessing of water and Sacramentals by Rev. Fr. Francis Omolade after which all were sprinkled with the holy water.

The Pilgrimage/Vigil was rounded up with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Archbishop with other priests concelebrating.

In his reflection during the Mass, the Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade welcomed the clergy, religious and lay faithful to this year’s two-fold event; Pentecost vigil and Pilgrimage to Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Grotto, Eleta; one of the designated Centres for pilgrimage during this Jubilee Year of Hope.

The homilist stated that there are lot to learn from Our Mother Mary, whom he described as a woman of hope as testified to, by her life. “Without hope, life is meaningless. With the situations in the country, we sometimes loose hope but we must keep hope alive for Christ has said in the world we shall have difficulties, but that we should not be afraid, He has conquered the world.” The priest stated.

Fr. Omolade reminded the faithful of all the benefits attached to visiting the Pilgrimage Centres; especially, the indulgencies to be gained in doing so and therefore admonished all to visit any of the Centres designated as Pilgrimage Centres for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. He prayed that Our Mother continues to intercede for all.

There was a general thanksgiving during the Mass followed by the Archbishop’s closing remarks in which His Grace, on behalf of the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job, appreciated the clergy, religious and lay faithful for their active participation in this year’s Pentecost Vigil/Pilgrimage.

His Grace thanked those supporting developmental works at the Grotto and appealed that more works still need to be done if there is fund.

All the liturgical functionaries and groups were also appreciated with an appeal that all faithful learn to forgive one another. His Grace thereafter declared the Pentecost Vigil/Pilgrimage for the year 2025 closed.