Vincent OBANIYI

As part of the celebration marking his 40th Priestly Anniversary, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, on Sunday 9th November, 2025, blessed and officially opened a newly constructed Marian Grotto at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Tede. The ceremony took place shortly after the Holy Mass which the Bishop presided over, alongside the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola.

 

During his homily, Bishop Badejo expressed gratitude to God and commended Fr. Babalola for his dedication in facilitating the building of the grotto. He emphasized that the blessing of the grotto was the primary reason for his visit, describing Tede as the “Spiritual Capital” of the Diocese of Oyo. The Bishop further reminded the faithful that they themselves are the living temple of Christ, urging them to reflect on the question, “What kind of temple are you?” He encouraged parishioners to use their gifts, talents, and resources in service to God, citing the construction of the grotto as an example of offering gratitude to God.

 

He also referred to the recent Vatican document reaffirming that Jesus Christ alone is the Redeemer, while the Blessed Virgin Mary is revered as a powerful intercessor and Mother of the Church. Concluding his message, Bishop Badejo prayed that the grotto would become a place of joy, peace, and mercy for all who pray there.

 

Speaking after the ceremony, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola, described the event as a testament to God’s goodness to both the parish and the entire Tede community. He said the grotto symbolizes the Blessed Mother drawing nearer to her children and will strengthen Marian devotion among the faithful. He explained that the project was an act of thanksgiving to God and a recognition of the constant intercession of Mary.

Fr. Babalola noted that although the construction took 11 months and posed financial challenges, God provided help through generous supporters. He added that choosing Our Lady of Lourdes was intentional, as she is associated with healing, something the nation and community deeply need. He encouraged parishioners to take their devotional life more seriously, reminding them of Tede’s significance as the spiritual headquarters of the Diocese, and prayed that all who contributed to the project would receive God’s blessings.

 

Also reacting to the blessing of the grotto, a parishioner, Mr. Aderibigbe Sunday Oluwafemi, expressed joy and described the monument as a blessing that will strengthen communal faith and encourage regular recitation of the Holy Rosary. Another parishioner, Mrs. Ogunkunle Clare, noted that the grotto, which she described as one of the best in the Diocese, will deepen spiritual life and unify parishioners during Marian devotions and private prayers.

 

The inauguration of the grotto stands as a significant milestone for the parish and forms part of the ongoing celebrations marking Bishop Badejo’s four decades of dedicated priestly service.