Michael OKEOLA

 

The Oyo Deanery of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo held its 2025 Deanery Christmas Carol Service on Sunday, 21st December, 2025 at the playground of St. Bernardine Catholic Girls’ College, Owode, Oyo. The programme, which drew priests, religious, parishioners, youths, and children from across the deanery, was prayerfully conducted under the theme “Joy of Salvation.”

The service opened with an opening prayer led by Rev. Sr. Rita Ogunleye. In his opening address, the Dean of the Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Falade, warmly welcomed all members of the deanery to the gathering. He urged everyone to maintain good conduct, reminding them that the carol service was primarily a moment of prayer and worship. He encouraged the faithful to approach the programme with reverence, respect for the Lord, and a clear focus on the true meaning of the celebration.

 

The first reading was taken by Adeleke Titilade Eunice, followed by a congregational hymn. Various parishes and choirs rendered melodious presentations, interspersed with prayers led by Mr. Sunday Okoli, Brother Vincent Oladipupo, Mrs. Regina Ogunsanya, and Sr. Dorathy Edeh. The second reading was proclaimed by Benedicta Ogunkoya, while the third reading was taken by Deborah Akinyemi.

Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Raphael Akinyemi spoke on the theme of generosity and humility as central messages of Christmas. He reminded the congregation that Christmas would come and go, but the call to live rightly should remain constant. He encouraged the faithful to cultivate the spirit of giving during the festive season, stressing that no matter how little one has, sharing with neighbours without expecting anything in return reflects the true spirit of Christ’s birth.

 

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, also addressed the gathering, offering prayers for God’s grace and protection upon the diocese. He prayed that the diocese would be preserved from all forms of evil and continue to flourish for many years to come. The Bishop expressed heartfelt appreciation to all the choirs from the various parishes for their beautiful renditions, with special commendation for the youths and children of the Holy Childhood Association who actively participated in the choir presentations. He also thanked the priests and religious present, particularly Rev. Fr. Anthony Olanrewaju and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Oke, for ensuring that the venue was well prepared for the programme.

Bishop Badejo further expressed his joy that many of the choirs selected their songs from approved Church hymns, thereby deepening the spiritual tone of the celebration.

 

The programme came to a close with the closing prayer led by Rev. Fr. Francis Ogunsola, while the final blessing was imparted by Rev. Fr. Joyzy Pius Egunjobi.