It was a joyful moment at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Apata, Ibadan on Sunday 4th August 2024 as the parish celebrated the first anniversary of the Church’s dedication and confirmation of 121 catechumen.

The anniversary was celebrated with a Thanksgiving Mass which had the Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin as the Chief Celebrant. Concelebrating the Mass with His Grace were the parish priest and his assistant: Rev. Frs: Joachim Akee and Raphael Agbeje respectively as well as Rev. Fr. Joseph Young Aniaga from SS Peter & Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan. Assisting at the Mass was Seminarian Emmanuel Ajayi.

The parish priest, Fr. Akee had earlier welcomed His Grace on behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Laity Council and the Finance Council of St. Peter with the outstations and the entire people of God.

The priest thanked His Grace for coming to rejoice with the parish on its first anniversary of the dedication of St. Peter’s Church and to confirm children and parents numbering one hundred and twenty-one (121).

Fr. Akee after the proclamation of the Gospel by Fr. Agbeje introduced the catechumen to His Grace, who also welcomed them for the sacrament.

The Archbishop in his homily said he was happy to be back at St. Peter again, adding that the day was a special day for all. His Grace thanked God for those to be confirmed saying: “You will now be an adult and also can teach the younger ones.”

The Prelate urged the candidates to be active members of the Church and keep their minds in the service of God.

His Grace also charged the parents to work hard on their children as any of them can become an Archbishop in future; but that if the parents failed to do their work, they may later regret it. “As Catholics, we often say we are the custodians of morals, yes, we have to live this out. Some would pretend to be going for Mass but are actually going on an evil mission.”

Archbishop Abegunrin linked the situation in the country to what happened to the Israelites in the first reading (Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15) who were complaining when they were about to be liberated.

He recalled past good days in the country when everything was very cheap and education was free but this goes down-down until it is almost finished and now Nigerians are complaining like the Israelites.

The Archbishop therefore called on Nigerians to think twice. “For us, what shall we do? As we speak to our leaders, let us speak to God again.

Let us seek God’s grace, and free our minds of evil. Some while praying will be cursing their neighbours, such is to the devil and not to God.” His grace stated.

While declaring that CBCN is never on the side of any party like the government thinks, His Grace called on the protestants to ask themselves: How many are doing good works where they are? He added that bad behaviours are not restricted to the government alone, but also very much in the Church. “Some, when counting money in the Church put part of the money into their pockets.

Even in homes, sometimes, no good examples. Before, anybody could reprimand any child but no longer now. Parents will rather follow their children to school and abuse the teacher. We can’t be doing evil and ask for God’s blessing.” His Grace submitted.

His Grace later performed the confirmation rites on the candidates beginning with the renewal of baptismal promises, laying of hands and anointing with the oil.

The parishioners, led by the priests in attendance had 2-in-1 thanksgiving for the 1st anniversary of the Church’s dedication and confirmation of 121 candidates, while His Grace prayed and blessed all.

Two families also had child dedication as well as family harvest thanksgiving by some other families.

The parish priest, Fr. Akee gave a vote of thanks, even as His Grace also appreciated everyone present: priests, religious and lay faithful. His Grace further urged the children to study hard, be useful at home and in the Church and not only at schools. 

Parents were also urged to continue to support the newly confirmed and mentor them to grow and become sons and daughters of God.

There were snapping of group photographs with His Grace after the Mass.