Iseyin Deanery Communications Group.

 

The early morning showers of the rainy season on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, had blessed the ground with coolness, while the people of God awaited the arrival of the august visitors. Then rose a gradual sunny presence to calm the raindrops which the showers had brought down from skies. It was at that very moment that the vehicle showed up, conveying Very Rev. Fr. Jan Pelczarski, OSJ, the Superior General of the Oblates of St. Joseph, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Odubela, OSJ, a member of the General Council of the Congregation, and Very Rev. Fr. Paul Agabo, OSJ, the Provincial Superior of the Congregation. They had come all the way to St. George’s Catholic Church, Iseyin, Oyo Diocese, to pay a visit to the priests of the Oblates of St. Joseph, in Iseyin Community.

It was a beautiful gathering with the people of God who came to welcome the delegation dancing to the native Yoruba ‘Bata’ drumbeat, men, women, youths, and children filled with excitement. Also present to welcome the visitors were Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Akhalu, the Parish Priest of St. George’s Catholic Church, Iseyin, Very Rev. Fr. Philip Egbuniwe, OSJ; The dean of Iseyin Deanery, Rev. Fr. Martin Badejo, and Sister of St. Louis, Sr. Ruth Orunpegan was also on hand.

 

The Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr. Patrick Ipadeola gave a brief history of the parish, in which he specifically pointed out that the presence of the priests of the Oblates of St. Joseph, who has spent four years in the parish, has helped to solidify the efforts of the previous priests who had worked in the parish. He asserted that the present crop of priests has continued steadily the evangelization drive of the parish.

The representatives of the Catholic Women Organization, the Catholic Men Organization, and the Catholic Youth Organization also thanked the delegation for their visit. Rev. Fr. Martin Badejo, the Dean of Iseyin Deanery, welcomed the delegation in the name of the Bishop, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo. He added that the presence of the Oblates of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Oyo, right from their propaedeutic year in Ogbomoso, to their time and presence in Iseyin, has shown that they truly take seriously the example of the silent impact of St. Joseph, their Patron Saint. He said that the Oblates of St. Joseph priests who have been sent to work in Oyo Diocese, have taken their duty of serving the people of God seriously, never scoffing at going to the level of the people, and being patient in their approach, as they exercise their priestly office in cooperation with the Pastoral Plan of the Diocese, focused on Co-responsibility for Evangelization and Salvation.

 

In their responses, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Odubela, OSJ thanked the Bishop for bringing their Congregation to work in Oyo Diocese and for his fatherly support. He also thanked the people of God for their warm welcome and asked that they support their priests. Very Rev. Fr. Paul Agabo, OSJ appreciated the joyful hearts and cheerful expression of the people. He reminded them that such joy cannot be bought with money. Hence, they should never lose their joyful hearts.

In his very few but profound words, Very Rev. Fr. Jan Pelczarski, OSJ expressed his delight at the community, especially the striking neatness of the environment. According to him, the delightful welcome they received from the community shows the kind of love they have for the faith and for the priests. He commended the Bishop, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo for his kindness and the Iseyin community for cooperating with the priests.

 

The community presented gifts to the delegates, while Mr. Peter Ojekunle did the vote of thanks. This was followed by the closing prayer and blessing, with further meetings and consultations with the priests. The visit is customary of the General Superior from time to time, going around to visit and encourage the priests in the various Communities around the world.

Oyo Diocese has had Rev. Fr. Benjamin Ogar, OSJ; Rev. Fr. Raphael Udeme, OSJ; and now Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Akhalu, OSJ; and Very Rev. Fr. Philip Egbuniwe, OSJ. No doubt, this visit of the Superior General and the members of the Council to Iseyin was memorable.