John TAKURO

Parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ilupeju Ibadan were filled with joy, as they witnessed the thanksgiving Mass of the first priest from their parish, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Jesugbemi Ajani, who was ordained 15th August, 2026 by the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin.

The thanksgiving Mass which was held on Sunday 16th August, 2026 was well-attended by parishioners, families, friends and well-wishers of the newly ordained priest.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasakin congratulated Fr. Ajani and his family for this great achievement. He recounted some of his encounters with them, stressing that they should not reduce their support for their son who is now a Reverend Father. "Let me use this medium to congratulate the Ajanis for this great achievement. I want to use this medium to encourage you that you should further your support for him. In fact, this is when he really needs your care and support. Do not abandon him. Also, note that he is a Priest, not a breadwinner. Do not put him under undue pressure because whatever he can afford to contribute to your development is going to come from what the parishioners where he will be working must have given him," he said.

Speaking further, Fr. Fasakin urged the newly ordained to always make his presence felt whenever he finds himself as a light to the world. "Fr. Ajani, always let the people around you feel the presence of a priest. Make good use of your cassocks and let your actions speak for you as a man of God because you never can tell who will be in need of a priest around you. May God who has ordained you for this work, assist you to achieve greater results which would increase the number of those who will make heaven and also grant you eternal rewards," he added.

The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Akinbinu welcomed everyone to the epoch-making event, and appreciates God in the life of the Ajanis who are witnessing their day of joy. He prayed for more youths to answer the call to vocation into priesthood and religious life from the parish.

The celebrant danced to sweet renditions from the choir alongside his family members and all present during his thanksgiving. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his parents, family members, his parish priests past and present, his benefactors and benefactresses, people of Sacred Heart Parish Ilupeju and all those in attendance for their support which contributed to the success being witnessed today. He prayed for the souls of the departed, especially Msgr Peter Ajibola, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Adediran and Rev. Fr. Macarius Olatunji .

 

After the Mass, a befitting reception in his honour was organized where various presentations were made by different groups, coupled with lots of gifts presented by the parish, societies and individuals just to make the event truly entertaining and unforgettable.