Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Monday, 10th of November, 2025 is a day to be remembered by the priest and parishioners of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Monatan, Ibadan for a very long time as Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin performed the blessing of the Parish’s Marian Grotto of Our Lady of all Graces adding to the already existing Divine Mercy Grotto.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joachim Akee welcomed the Archbishop on behalf of the Parish Pastoral council, Parish Laity Council and the entire parishioners to the event.

Before declaring open the Grotto, the Archbishop congratulated the priest and parishioners for the erection of the Grotto in honour of our Mother Mary. He  recalled the unique roles played by our Blessed Virgin Mary for the salvation of mankind and admonished the parishioners on the proper use of the Grotto to pray for her intercession for their needs, the intentions of the Archdiocese, that of our country Nigeria and for the peace in the World generally. “This is another great celebration, blessing this Grotto where we can pray to Christ and for the intentions of other people too.” The Archbishop said.

His Grace later blessed and declared the new Marian Grotto of Our Lady of all Graces open and prayed for all that contributed towards its erection. Archbishop Abegunrin commenced the use of the newly blessed Marian Grotto as he directed that one Our Father, three Hail Mary and one Glory be to the Father be said after the blessing.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the parish, Rev. Fr. Joachim Akee thanked the Archbishop, whom he said initiated the idea of having the Marian Grotto in the parish during one of his visits to the parish, for coming around for the blessing ceremony. He equally thanked the Parishioners for rallying round within a short period of time to have the dream of having Marian Grotto in the parish a reality. He specifically appreciated Mama Olayokun and the Chairman of Lands Commission of Ibadan Archdiocese, Hon. Dele Adigun for coming around within a very short notice. He declared the day as a day of celebration and enjoined all present to enjoy the light refreshment provided for the event after which the Archbishop sprinkled holy water on all, gave the final blessing and took group photographs to keep the memory of the event alive.