Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

It was indeed a Divine Mercy Sunday, 27th April 2025, for some Homes in charge of Physically Challenged and Needy people in the Archdiocese of Ibadan as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria, Mokola and Bodija Deaneries invited the Homes to St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan not only to distribute food items, toiletries and the likes to the people but also to have a day with them to share the joy of Easter by dining and dancing together.

The annual event which has been on for a very long time by the two Deaneries (formerly Ibadan North deanery) have the group inviting the following Homes: Home for the Needy, Idikan; Rehabilitation Centre, Moniya; Rosarian Community, Sango; Correctional Home, Ijokodo; Chesire Home, Ijokodo; Obijackson Foundation, Ijokodo; Home for the Deaf, Ijokodo; Home of Providence, Yemetu; Motherless Baby Home, UCH; Oluomo Group, Alakia and Ile Alaafia, Oke Padi for the celebration, where the people were fed both physically and spiritually and also took to the dancing floor.

The Parish Priest of St. Gabriel, Mokola, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eseola was represented by his Assistant, Rev. Fr. Johnpaul Aninwodo; who after declaring the program opened with an opening prayer also gave an exaltation.

According to Fr. Johnpaul, God’s mercy has been speaking for us and will continue to speak for us. “Be reminded that you’re still God’s children. God still loves you. He says to you: ‘Your worth is not defined by physical appearance but your inner being. You’re still precious, regardless of your physical appearance.’ Do you know that your focus, determination, perseverance and wanting to live a day as it comes inspire others? That shows that God loves you. You should be more determined to do greater things.”

Bro. Sebastian Odumah, who coordinated the day’s program also appreciated all invited Guests, Ministries and Leaders of CCRN among whom are Prof. Beatrice Ohaeri, Bro Alamu Julius, Bro Alphonsus Okorowu, Bro Jonathan Okey (the Planning Committee Chairman).

Bro Alphonsus okorowu of Mokola Deanery also welcomed all to the celebration and appreciated everyone that contributed to the success of the program, including the donors for their generosity.

When it was time for Divine Mercy Prayer, Rev. Fr. Johnpaul led all in the prayer, where he also prayed for the intentions of all.

A member of the group, Bro Charles, whose birthday falls on Divine Mercy Sunday also brought a big cake which was cut with the support of all and shared as well, while birthday music was supplied by Oluomo Group members, while Pastor Samson of the same Oluomo Group, who also brought his products (shoes, sandals and slippers) to the event prayed for Bro Charles.

The CCRN Music Band and Oluomo Group entertained with praise and worship, even as there was free medical test for intending members of the invited guests.

Bro Jonathan Okey, Chairman, Planning Committee gave a vote of thanks. He appreciated the Church, the Parish priest, his Assistant, the Donors, Homes present, Committee Members and appealed that the group’s call be answered whenever it calls again.

Closing prayer at the event was said by Prof. Beatrice Ohaeri (former Coordinator), followed by sharing of food items and other materials to the Homes.