The Catholic Faithful worldwide on Sunday, 24th November celebrated the last Sunday of the liturgical Year B, otherwise known as the Solemnity of Christ the King with Archbishop Abegunrin in Ibadan Archdiocese tasking the faithful to always pray for everybody.

The deaneries in the Archdiocese had a central Christ the King procession after over ten years of such procession due to insecurity and Covid-19.

The Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin presided over the celebration; which also had the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job, the Vicar – General, V. Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami; the Pastoral Secretary and Dean of Oke – Padi Deanery, V. Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade; Monsignori; Priests; Religious; Seminarians; Knights and Lay Faithful in attendance.

The procession, which started from St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan and ended at SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan was done amidst singing, dancing and jubilation by all in attendance.

Archbishop Abegunrin had before the commencement of the procession welcomed the Archbishop Emeritus, Priests, Religious, Seminarians, Knights and Lay faithful to the event; which he said last took place over ten years ago due to insecurity and Covid-19 and thanked God that the event was coming up again at the time he described as God’s time.

His Grace reminded all that as the procession progressed, they should endeavour not to abuse anybody, for we were gathered to pray and so, we should pray for everybody, friends or enemies.

The Archbishop recalled that some in other parts of the world had had the procession in the month of June but because the period was raining period in Nigeria, the Pope gave permission for it to be shifted to the month of November, yet it is the same celebration.

He urged all to follow the directives of the Seecurity personnel during the procession. The Pastoral Secretary, V. Rev. Fr. Omolade thereafter announced the order of procession, while His Grace commenced the carrying of the Blessed sacrament in the procession.

The procession passed through Mokola Road – Sango Road – Old Bodija Road – Awolowo Road to SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan where adoration took place and all were blessed with the Blessed Sacrament by the Archbishop.

In his closing remarks, His Grace thanked God for making the procession possible, which he described as indeed a fitting conclusion to the celebration of the Year of Prayer. “We have been able to take this walk for God, so we are renewed in our faith and ready to march to 2025 with Christ, Our Lord.”

Archbishop Abegunrin thanked the Rector and the entire Seminary Community for hosting the closing ceremony and for all the preparation and expenses the Seminary bore in getting the arena ready for the gathering.

The Prelate was also happy that the Seminary Community was able to put together the Eucharistic Exhibition, which he described as a fitting addition to the day’s celebration and therefore urged everyone present to find time to visit the Exhibition in Room 100 of the Lecture Classroom.

His Grace was also grateful to all Deaneries for coming in large number, even the distant Deaneries as well as children who accompanied the Blessed Sacrament as Flower girls and boys. “You are strong in faith; may the Lord never abandon you. I thank all their Animators also.” His Grace said.

Archbishop Abegunrin also thanked all the functionaries and those that contributed in one way or the other, especially, the Priests who ensured that the procession was a beautiful one.

His grace did not forget to appreciate the Parish Priest of St. Gabriel, Mokola and his Assistant for all the arrangement made to host the event, even as he thanked the Pastoral Secretary, V. Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade for coordinating all the arrangements successfully.

He concluded by urging all to pray for those that could not participate at the procession as well.