Catholic faithful and Nigerians in general have been advised to move into 2025 with new mentality in order to experience different result in life. Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan gave the advice during the cross-over night celebration in the parish.

The cleric said there is need for all to have direction in life. “You have to prepare the ground for God to bless. It is not about the date and time, but about you, doing the same thing in another way.” The priest agreed that truly miracles do happen, but it can only happen on something, hence, the disciples of Christ said there were five loaves of bread and two fish and these, Christ blessed and multiplied to feed the multitude. “Do not think things will change unless you change things yourself. God usually gives direction but we don’t pay attention because of the distraction in the world.”

The parish priest added that though things may be tough in the country, yet, there are still opportunities that one can tap on. “It is in your hand if you want to be happy. Move into 2025 with new mentality, think differently, package what you do and be sincere.” Fr. Balogun did not forget to add that prayer must go with work, as praying without making any move is nothing. “Though, government has a lot to do, but don’t wait on the government, use your talent to develop, pray and God will bless it.” He added.

Similarly, at the celebration of the feast of Mary, the Mother of God on the first day of the New Year, Fr. Balogun emphasized on the need to be grateful and think deeply about their lives as the faithful gathered to celebrate the feast as well as pray for peace in the world at the beginning of a new year. “When there is peace, there is development. We celebrate Mary today, we need to call on her for help and her intercession because God has purpose for us in life, hence we need to cooperate with the plan of God.

More so, that the Church just inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Hope, 2025; Fr. Balogun urged that all be hopeful in the New Year, even as he appreciated the Officers of Ogbere Police station for deeming it fit to protect worshippers in Churches around the area without asking for such, concluding that Nigeria will still be better if everyone plays his/her roles in the society as expected without being forced to do same.

There were general thanksgivings to God by the parishioners for witnessing the New Year 2025 as well as a special thanksgiving of Mr Cole’s family.

The parish priest appreciated all parishioners and visitors for joining in the celebrations and also appreciated the duo, Rev. Frs Benjamin Opoku and Justine Adeka of Josephite Community for celebrating both Masses for the parish respectively. He prayed that the New Year 2025 be a blessed one for all.