Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

It was a moment of joy, dancing and thanksgiving as members, Chaplains, Religious and friends of the Ibadan Provincial Catholic Women Organization (IPCWO) gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organization at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday, 26th April 2025.

The Thanksgiving Mass which was celebrated by the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin and concelebrated by the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, His Grace, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, Bishop Anselm Pendo Lawani of Ilorin, The Chancellor of Ibadan Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade and other clergy present at the Mass.

While delivering his homily at the Thanksgiving Mass, Fr. Sola Ajayi, the Ilorin CWO Chaplain thanked God for upholding the organization for the past 30 years. He recalled that IPCWO was under the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province before it was carved out about 30 years ago.

Fr. Ajayi noted that the efforts of the Metropolitan See of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin and the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job remain a vital part of the success stories of IPCWO that is being celebrated at the anniversary. He also acknowledged the Grace of God on those who have been saddled with the responsibilities of steering the ship of the organization from 30 years ago till date.

The Homilist noted that the gathering is for three main purposes, namely, to thank God, to appreciate the heroes past and present and to recommit to the mission that Christ has given to the organization.

 

He enjoined the women to emulate women of good faith in the Bible. "...we also have women in the Bible who stood by their faith and worship God and serve God with all they had; Esther, Deborah, Mary Magdalene and of course Blessed Virgin Mary, who is our mother, who we honor and never worshipped." He declared.

He further admonished the members of IPCWO to always remember the heroes of the organization from the Archbishop and Archbishop Emeritus, the Bishops and Bishops Emeritus, the Parish Priests and Assistant Parish Priests, Chaplains , Presidents and all who have fought and worked for the organization in different parishes and deaneries to fare well.

The Homilist charged the women to continue to collaborate with the Church in spreading the gospel all over the world as he reminded them that everyone who is a disciple of Christ must have the virtues of obedience and a humble evangelist.

 

In his remarks at the Thanksgiving Mass, His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin rejoiced with the Executives and members of Ibadan Provincial Catholic Women Organization and acknowledged the large turnout of women at the celebration.

Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin also acknowledged the presence of the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, the Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Most Rev. John Anslem Lawani, the representatives of the National Executive Council of the Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria, ably led by The CWON President, Hon. Elizabeth Olayinka Sonubi, Lagos Province CWO and everyone present for the anniversary.

 

Archbishop Abegunrin reminded everyone that the Catholic Women Organization remains the umbrella for all in the Church as their motto clearly stated because they play a pivotal role in the work of evangelization of the Church. His Grace, therefore, encouraged the mothers to work more with the Church, even in the face of many challenges.

The Provincial President, Lady Amb. Faramade Adefolaju thanked all present on the occasion and prayed for many more celebrations in the Province and CWON.

 

The reception for the 30th Anniversary took place at Rev. Fr. Dolan Hall, Oke Ado, Ibadan, where the guests were treated to sumptuous meals and variety of entertainment.