St. Kizito Catholic Church, Oluyole, Ibadan upgraded the history of the Parish on the 1st September, 2024 with the investiture of nine new altar servers. The Parish Priest and Vicar - General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Olusanmi Oyelami was the Chief Celebrant with many lay faithful in attendance including the Archdiocesan Altar Servers Executive.

In his homily, the Parish Priest encouraged the congregation to always appreciate God in their lives. He encouraged them to count their blessings one by one since January, and it will surely surprise them what the Lord has done for them, ‘aaye ope yo’ indeed.

Reflecting on the First Reading, he asked the faithful “What great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us?” Considering how our nation is blessed by God with good climate for planting all year round, natural and mineral resources in every State of the Nation.

How we are blessed with wind in the North and abundant sun in other regions to generate electricity! Unfortunately, we are suffering in the midst of plenty due to human greediness. 

Fr. Oyelami was happy with the comments of Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich after participating in the annual Marian pilgrimage to the Notre-Dame d’Arigbo cave in Dassa-Zoume, the Cardinal said that the Church in Africa is one that is “alive and full of faith”, he noted the “joy" seen in the celebrations in Africa. 

Fr. Gregory however admonished the faithful not to be like those described in the Gospel by the prophet Isaiah, people who honour God with their lips, but their heart is far from God, in vain do they worship God. He encouraged everyone to continually examine their relationship with God, ensuring their lives reflect a closer walk with Him.

Our prayer and life should not be separated, remembering always the words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me Lord! Lord! Will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father in heaven”.

Addressing the newly invested altar servers, the parish priest congratulated them and thanked their parents for allowing them to serve the Lord in his sanctuary. He told the congregation that his desire to be a priest started when he became an altar server when he was six years old.

He reminded the new altar servers that as they begin their journey serving in God's sanctuary, their lives should embody the light of Christ, shining brightly for all to see. The homilist concluded by expressing his desire and prayer that God should give him the grace to recommend some altar servers to the Major Seminary during his tenure as the parish priest of Oluyole Parish as he did when he was the Parish Priest of St. Andrew, Oke Bola; Holy Cross, Ikire and St. Mary Cathedral, Oke Padi.

The investiture of these new altar servers was indeed a momentous and joyous occasion for the parish. The newly invested altar servers danced to the altar for thanksgiving accompanied by their parents and well-wishers. There was a group photographs and light refreshment after the Mass.