Continued from 8th March 2026 edition.

Rev. Fr. Peace JEMIBOR

The 2026 Annual Presbyterial Retreat of the priests of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, held at the Abbe Louis Bautane Retreat and Catechetical Centre, Ijebu Itele Ogun state, continued with deeper reflections and spiritual exercises that further strengthened the priests in their vocation and mission.

Proceeding with the evening session of the second day, the retreat facilitator focused on the preaching office of the priest. He reminded the participants that the ministry of preaching fundamentally belongs to the Holy Spirit and must always be carried out in the name of Christ. According to him, every priest must be careful not to preach himself but rather to preach Christ. He also emphasized that authentic preaching requires fidelity to the true doctrine of the Church. Beyond words, he noted that preaching must also be supported by the witness of a priest’s personal life, stressing that the faithful are often inspired as much by example as by spoken teaching.

The following day’s morning session centered on the theme of pastoral charity. Reflecting on this essential virtue of priestly ministry, the facilitator encouraged priests to extend the compassion, kindness, and mercy of Christ to the people entrusted to their care. He also highlighted accountability as an important dimension of pastoral charity, noting that priests are called to exercise their responsibilities with sincerity, transparency, and genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of the faithful. In the evening conference of that same day, attention turned to the holiness and sanctity of the priestly life. The retreat master reminded the participants that priests, especially in their role as confessors and representatives of Christ, are called to be living witnesses of holiness. Because they stand as instruments of God’s mercy for others, they must continually strive for personal sanctification and integrity in their lives and ministry.

Earlier reflections during the retreat had also addressed other important dimensions of priestly life. In the morning session of the third day, the facilitator spoke on the importance of collaboration in ministry and the need for priests to cultivate a persevering spirit in their pastoral work. He acknowledged that challenges and difficulties are inevitable in priestly ministry but encouraged the participants to endure such trials with faith, remembering that their sacrifices are borne for the sake of Christ and His mission. In the evening session of the third day, the theme of reconciliation and forgiveness within the presbytery was explored. The retreat director urged priests to foster mutual understanding and reconciliation among themselves, emphasizing that priests must be willing to forgive one another and those who offend them. By doing so, he noted, they provide a powerful example for the faithful who look up to them as spiritual guides and models of Christian living.

Beyond the conferences and spiritual talks, the retreat also included several devotional and liturgical activities that enriched the experience of the participants. These included the communal recitation of the Rosary, the celebration of the Divine Office, and extended periods of personal prayer and reflection. On Wednesday, the priests participated in the Stations of the Cross, reflecting prayerfully on the passion and sacrifice of Christ.

Another significant moment of the retreat occurred on Thursday evening during a Penitential Service, which provided an opportunity for the priests themselves to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This moment allowed them to confess their sins and experience anew the mercy and forgiveness of God.

The retreat concluded on Friday morning with the celebration of a final Holy Mass offered in memory of all deceased priests and religious who had served in the Archdiocese. This solemn liturgy was followed by the closing prayers of the retreat, after which the participants prepared for departure.

Many of the priests who took part in the retreat expressed gratitude for the opportunity to step away from their pastoral routines in order to pray, reflect, and renew their commitment to their priestly calling. Several participants testified that the retreat had been a deeply enriching spiritual experience that refreshed their spirits and strengthened their resolve to continue their pastoral mission with renewed dedication and zeal.

The annual presbyterial retreat remains an important moment in the life of the Archdiocese, providing priests with the spiritual nourishment and fraternity necessary to sustain their ministry in service to God and His people.