Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer) 

The need to be grateful to God at all times and under any circumstances has again be stressed. The Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun while delivering his homily with the theme: “A beautiful life is in Christ” and that as the faithful celebrate the first Sunday in the month of May, they should be thankful for everything they received from God freely.

        Fr. Balogun enjoined the parishioners to stick to Christ even in the midst of their crosses for Christ has said; Carry your cross and follow me. Christ told Peter to follow him and Peter followed. He alone makes life beautiful and complete. The Disciples of Christ went back to their trade [fishing] but caught nothing. Hence, Christ challenged us to return to him today for it you think you know it all, you’re about to fail. “Life becomes more meaningful when you know God and keep His words. He alone makes life beautiful and complete. You are nothing without God, you will feel empty without His presence and involvement. Just like Peter and his companions caught nothing all night till Jesus got involved; you also may be wasting your time, kindly turn to God. He alone feeds us, strengthens us, and keeps life going.”

                  Referring to Christ, instruction to the disciples to bring some of the fish they have caught, Fr Balogun said that it is to show there is nobody without God’s blessing, but we are not always appreciative. He added that if Christians are not greedy, God often gives them freely and expects that they also give others around them.

          If a leper can clap even without fingers; to appreciate God, you have no excuse not to appreciate God. To abide in Christ is to stay connected to Him, not like the disciples who went back to their trade but caught nothing.

        The cleric stated further that many of us are at sea, not comfortable but when we make effort to stay with Him, we would see that He is with us. “Living a fulfilling and meaningful life is found through a relationship with Jesus Christ who has great plans for you and me. Hence, to abide in Christ is to stay connected to Christ just like the branch of a tree stays connected to the vine of a tree. To experience true joy, confess your sins, and embrace God's best for you daily.” Fr. Balogun stated.

        The Chief Celebrant, Rev.Fr Justine Adeka, CSJ at the introduction of the Mass had said the gospel of the day presents the third and last appearance of Jesus to His disciples. He added that Christ kept appearing to His disciples because it was so difficult for them to believe and that Christ is addressing the same words He used to invite His disciples to us.

           Fr. Adeka who celebrated his birthday two days earlier also had his birthday thanksgiving, supported by the parishioners.                                                           

            Similarly, the family of Mr Rapheal Faforiji had a thanksgiving for the successful burial of Mama Theresa Olayinka Faforiji who died on 1st of February 2025 at the age of 76 years and was buried on 2nd May, 2025 after service of songs in her residence in Ibadan on 29th April, 2025; wake keep/lying in state at the family house in Bolorunduro area of Ilesha and funeral Mass on 2nd of May at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ijofi, Ilesha.

             Joining in the thanksgiving were: Oba (Dr) Adebayo Faforiji Oteniara III, the Alamuye of Amuye in Osun state; Olori Adesola Faforiji; Children, Grandchildren and the parishioners of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere where Mama was a parishioner before her death.