The2024 Children/Youths Harvest was held at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan on Sunday, 6th October 2024 with an Holy Mass celebrated by the Editor of the Catholic Weekly Independent and Son of the Parish, Rev. Fr. Peter Taiwo Ibimiluyi as the Chief Celebrant and assisted by some Josephite’s Seminarians.

In his homily, the Priest congratulated the youths on the occasion of their 2024 Harvest Thanksgiving and urged them to cultivate the habit of thanking God for His goodness always.

Regarding Marriage as read in the day’s Gospel, the Chief Celebrant reminded everyone, the importance of Marriage according to the Church’s teachings that "Marriage is meant for the mature ones who are ready to take up full responsibility.” He noted that some young men and women didn't value marriage any longer but only prefer friendship that brings benefits but that marriage is more than that. 

One of the reasons for marriage according to him is for companionship, that is, marriage must be lived together as one body, parties must not live for him or herself but for his or her spouse. It is for better for worse.... and not the other way round. “When tested in form of challenges, we should endure so as not to lose the essence of marriage rather than divorce. When the Church observes the continuous violence, the Church can give room for brief seperation but not for divorce.” The priest stated. 

Fr. Ibimiluyi therefore urged that before entering into marriage, there must be proper preparation in every aspect. Above all, partners should copy an example from Christ who lived a life of sacrifice as they prepare for marriage by asking each other “Can you die for me?” because marriage is for sacrificial love.

He then prayed for the broken homes that the good Lord, the author of marriage may bring them together once more and also led the parishioners in prayer against some vices in marriage and total commitment to God’s laws.

Before the Harvest Thanksgiving, Miss Margaret Adah created awareness in form of poetry followed by Children presentation. The CYON Secretary, Brother Abel Peter anchored the program for raising of fund in form of Seed sowing as well as Zonal Harvest Thanksgivings. 

The Chief Celebrant before the end of the Mass charged the youths not to take their prayer lives with levity. He also charged everyone to always go for confession so as to see the hand God in everything they do and told everyone to pray with Psalm 126 during the week before the final blessing.

After the Mass, there was a reception where the parents were called to the high table after which the Chairman for the Children/Youths Harvest, Brother Ugwu Kenneth declared the harvest opened with the cutting of cake followed by some individuals which included the CWO President, Mrs M. Adewuyi and some youths. 

Also, there were series of presentations like poetry, choreography, children's presentation, Games, Balloon and cup, drinks and hook and dragging rope by parents. 

The MC for the program, Brother Abel Peter, gave the vote of thanks/closing remarks followed by concluding prayer.