Diocese of Ijebu-Ode in Nigeria turns 46

Catholics in Nigeria’s Diocese of Ijebu-Ode have celebrated the 46th anniversary of the diocese.

During the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Albert Fasina exhorted the faithful of the diocese to remain steadfast in their faith and continue to show gratitude to God for his blessings and the growth of the of the diocese.

Bishop Fasina who made the call in his remarks at the ceremony noted that the diocese had achieved remarkable successes in her evangelization drive in spite of the area being predominantly Moslem. He attributed the remarkable growth of the Catholic faith to the commitment of priests, religious and lay faithful, whose contributions have sustained the Church. He however urged them not to relent as there is still much more work to be done.

The bishop also used the occasion to reel out the achievements of the diocese in the areas of vocations, spiritual and pastoral activities. He also outlined the successes achieved in the areas of social service through the Church’s educational institutions, hospitals, maternity centres and social infrastructure. The services offered by the diocese not only complement the efforts of the government but are available to all irrespective of religious affiliation.

Present at the ceremony were the Vicar General of the diocese, Msgr. Gabriel Ayankoya as well as Msgr. Victor Ajayi, the Dean of Sagamu Deanery. Others were several diocesan priests working in and out of the diocese, religious men and women and a large delegation of the lay faithful from all the five deaneries of the diocese. Various members of the diocesan Laity Council, Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Catholic Women organisation (CWO), Catholic Youth Organization (CYON) and the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) were also in attendance.

At the Thanksgiving Mass, the homilist, Fr. Jude Babatunde Kuti emphasised the importance of thanksgiving noting that it is an integral part of prayer.

(Catholic News Service of Nigeria)