Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Parishioners of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan gathered on Thursday, January 1, 2026 to praise God for the grace of witnessing the beginning of another year. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr, Stephen Balogun was the Chief Celebrant at the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God; with Rev. Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ concelebrating.

In his reflection titled: “The Lord, the Prince of Peace is with us to bless us”, Fr Aniou said “We are here this first day because we are followers of Christ and believe Him to be our God.” He described the day’s celebration as consisting of four events: The beginning of a new year, which he attributed to the grace of God. “Even at that minute of crossing over, a child, somewhere would have left this earth; it is therefore reasonable to thank God,” he stated.

The second event of the day was the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God for the privilege of being called Mother of God. The third event was the World Day of Peace, since what our world needs today is peace, considering the happenings in the country and neighboring countries across the world. While the fourth event was ‘the Child was circumcised after eight days’.

Making reference to the day’s first reading (Numbers 6:22-27), the homilist said it was beautiful entering a new year with God’s blessings; while the Subject of those blessings is the Lord Himself. The priest therefore enjoined all to put heads together to bring peace into the world. “Let us continue to pray for peace. Before thinking of self, we must think of our community, to be united and make peace to reign.” The homilist stated.

Going further, Fr. Aniou said that the visit of the Shepherds to Mary was what we were expected to reflect on, for the Shepherds were the first witnesses, even as Mary, a human being chosen by God to be the Mother of God. “It has never happened and will never happen again, but we can be Joseph to bear God in another way. We too can be chosen like Mary. We are instruments in the hands of God.” Hence, the priest, admonished the parishioners to be ready to offer themselves to God. “Are we able to offer ourselves to God? Material goods of the world are very beautiful, God made them and if care is not taken, we may prefer the material goods to God.” He warned.

The priest also encouraged all not to be discouraged when confronted with the challenges of being chosen, for challenges are parts of Christians’ lives.

The parishioners had a general and first thanksgiving of the year for witnessing the first day in the first month of the year 2026 as they all danced with joy to the choir choruses and offered their gifts in thanksgiving for the grace of being alive to witness the beginning of another new year.