Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Three additional priests were added to the number of priests in the Archdiocese of Ibadan on Saturday, 15th August 2026 as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin raised Revs: James O. Adeleke, Peter O. Fadoyin and Emmanuel J. Ajani to the Order of Presbyterian at St. Mary Catholic Cathdral, Oke-Padi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The ordination Mass which coincided with the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was massively attended by the Clergy from within and outside Ibadan Archdiocese, including the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, Consecrated persons (Male and Female), Seminarians, Members of the Knights, Family members and lay-faithful in their different attires.

The Archdiocesan Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oluwasanmi Oyelami; who also with a joyful heart recalled his priestly ordination alongside his colleagues thirty-four year ago, 15th August 1992, welcomed everyone present to another historic priestly ordination of 3 priests in the same Cathedral, on behalf of Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin.

While also welcoming all, the Chief Celebrant, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin enjoined all to pray for the three deacons to be ordained priests and to continue to take care, be close to them and love them even after their ordination.

Immediately after the liturgy of the word, an assigned deacon called out the names of the three deacons and they were presented by the Archdiocesan Vocation Director, Rev. Fr. Francis Adedigba to the Archbishop, who gladly accepted them for priestly ordination.

The homilist of the day was the Assistant Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasakin; who himself was also ordained alongside four others exactly two years ago at Christ the King Catholic Church, Odo-Ona, Ibadan.

Fr. Fasakin, who said he found himself profoundly privileged as ‘expected Baba’s last born’ thanked the Archbishop and others present; adding that the Church in Ibadan still needs Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin.

The homilist, who described priest as a living sign of the kingdom of heaven affirmed that priest’s true wealth is in others. “You are for everyone, everyone is special and everyone is chosen. As priest, you cannot be for the rich or poor alone but for all. You’re not the end point but you’re to point people towards the kingdom of heaven. To lead people to yourselves is to lead them astray.” The priest stated.

The cleric therefore urged the ordinands to know that their fulfilment comes with the degree with which they respond to their priestly call, hence they were charged to love the Eucharist, adore it and pray always. They are also to take life easy, be simple, respect people, not scare people or flaunt what they have, be humble and let people draw closer to them. “Christ must become visible through your gestures, your words and even your silence. Your first mandate is to watch and pray with Christ. It is the Christ in you that will make these men and women to leap for joy, like it was read in the Gospel of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.” The homilist added.

Fr. Fasakin also told brother-priests that their mentorship is strongly needed by the junior priests; even as he tasked the seminarians to continue to watch as they wait for their time and for the lay faithful to continue to pray and support the priests, for the work is not easy.

After the priestly ordination rites, the new priests’ hands were anointed, instruments of office presented to them by the Archbishop and were officially welcomed into the priesthood with the greeting of peace. The newly ordained thereafter performed their first assignment by praying for and blessing the Archbishops, priests, consecrated persons, seminarians, family members and lay faithful.

The Vocation Director, Rev. Fr. Francis Adedigba congratulated the Archbishop for the ordination of the new priests, appreciated the faithful’s contribution to vocation and solicited for more financial assistance for the training of seminarians, which he stated stands at six hundred thousand per seminarian.

The newly ordained were also joined by all in thanksgiving, while Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job prayed and blessed them.

Archbishop Abegunrin in his closing remarks appreciated all from the clergy to the lay-faithful in their various groups. He equally reiterated his call for continuous prayer and assistance for the priests. His Grace also charged parishes to perform well in the Archdiocese and never to be afraid to approach their parish priests whenever there is need to do so.

There was a reception and entertainment after the Mass in the Parish Hall.