Anthony BAMITEKO

 

On the Solemnity Sunday of Corpus Christi, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin, the Chief Celebrant of the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Mary Cathedral, Oke Padi, Ibadan, in his remarks said that the insecurity in the country is alarming, and so urged the congregation not to travel at night and be mindful of where they go.

 

The Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese said, "thanks be to God that Adelabu people in the kidnappers den have been rescued. God is our protector, but we as well must be careful and be watchful. We must play our path. Don't roam about and be security conscious."

 

Most Rev. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin also prayed for other victims of banditry and terrorism and Nigeria at large that God may heal the wounded, set people in captivity free and comfort the sorrowful.

 

During the homily, the Cathedral administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode commenced his homily with the Yoruba version of Benediction song (O SALUTARIS), as he explained the deep meaning and symbolism of the Catholic faith embedded in the song, most especially in the second stanza.

 

"In the Catholic Church, our power and faith is built in the Body and Blood of Christ. We could hear our Archbishop at the beginning of the Mass said, the Eucharist is the light and power of the Church," said Fr. Akinyode.

 

The homilist noted that the manna that the Israelites ate in the wilderness made them strong to reach the Promised Land, likewise the Body and Blood of Christ present in the Holy Eucharist that we receive fortify us spiritually and take us to eternity.

 

He as well implored the faithful not to receive the Holy Communion if they are not in a state of grace in order not to take condemnation, that Christ is always present in the Eucharist.

 

"Do not be comfortable when you don't receive the body. Don't allow anything whatsoever to stop you from receiving Christ ever present in the Holy Eucharist. And if you don't receive Him for days, weeks, months or years and you don't feel his absence, you are a dead Catholic. Come back to Christ and settle whatsoever that is stopping you from partaking in eating and drinking the body and blood of Christ."

 

The Cathedral Administrator concluded his homily saying that Christ laid down the Eucharistic Celebration on the night He was handed over to His enemies with the mandate that we should continue to do it in His memory. He reiterated that parents as well should not cease to warn their children not to receive Holy Communion when they are not in a state of grace and prayed that our spiritual journey not lead us to condemnation.