Daniel UGWO

 

The 21 December 2025 Carol at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife wore an ecumenical garment – an entirely different style compared to Carol celebrations which had taken place previously at the Parish.

This year, it was not just about the Catholic Community, non-Catholic denominations were invited. Among Churches who received the invitation letters are: The Methodist, Anglican and Redeem Church’s brethren in Christ. Anyone who visited the Pro-Cathedral that Sunday would wonder if the negative state of the nation was not enough to make participants sad, as there was fun everywhere. They were all in a very enthusiastic mood from the time Carol started at 2.00PM. 

Despite having celebrated two Masses that day, the Church was largely occupied with crowd. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Oluseyi Adeyemi who had earlier voiced his dissatisfaction on the 2024 Carol performances and organisation at the last Parish Pastoral Council meeting is happy to see this year’s Carol in a new outlook. He could be noticed nodding his head, clapping and smiling on his seat.

The associate Priest, Fr. Philip Olagunju in his message, stressed that the combined voice of praises on such occasion reference the singular reason of the birth of Christ. According to him, in the world where hope seems lost, the birth of Christ assures hope. He however encouraged all to be persons of hope anywhere they find themselves. He described Carol as the celebration of Joy and Love.

At the event, while all performers added value to the moment, the performances of brothers and sisters from the Baptist Church, that of St. Patrick Catholic Church Parakin, the Jennifer’s Dancing Crew, and the Catholic Youth Organisation added unforgettable memories. No one could underestimate the analytic memory of the young Lectors who analysed some of the Carol readings offhand, without need to read from the Bible.

The Parish Catholic Men Organisation as usual won’t stop adding comedic surprises. Sacred Heart Catholic Choirs, Ajebamidele took participants through a reflective journey from January to December. This year’s Carol also added the children jumping castle corner. Some magnanimous parishioners also shared food as a sign of love feast which the celebration entails. The over joyous participants on the occasion caused the Carol to extend beyond scheduled time.

The Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Prof. Marcus Bola Eleruja appreciated all and sundry for their effort, presence and performances. He noted that this year's Carol is proof of what can be achieved when faith meets with goodwill. He never stopped appreciating the Parish Priest, the invited Catholic parishes and non-Catholic denominations, without underestimating the tireless Parishioners. Prof. Eleruja however admonished all to let the unity at the event spread through the daily interactions everywhere they find themselves.