Archbishop Emeritus of the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has advised President Bola Tinubu to work in the right direction for the country to experience absolute peace and true governance.
Onaiyekan made this known at the 60th anniversary of the Oyo diocese, the 50th Episcopal anniversary of Bishop Julius Adelakun, and the ordination of three priests, at the St. Bernardine Catholic Church, Owode, Oyo town, last Friday, adding that it is too early to assess the government, hence necessary things should be put in place to make the country a better place.
Speaking at the event, Onaiyekan noted that the weeklong event that commenced last Monday and ended with a 3-in-1 programme, on Friday, was a symbol of great unity as people from different tribes and backgrounds converged to celebrate and give thanks to God without any restriction.
Onaiyekan also congratulated Bishop Adelakun, whom he described as completely God’s servant and a senior colleague in the vineyard, adding, “It is not as if we are not aware of the distress in the land and the pain people are going through, but we have to count our blessings and name them one by one. This is why we have come out en mass to celebrate one of our own.”
“Bishop Adelakun was my senior at the seminary, in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, in 1963 and he also became a bishop much earlier than myself. We are respectful good friends,” he added.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Ijebu Ode Diocese, Most Reverend (Dr) Francis Adesina, noted that the priesthood is unique and a calling by God according to the scripture, just as he added that any minister at the altar and the public space should see themselves as a servant and should not forget God who has called them to service.
“We should never forget to serve people with integrity. We pray that those who have been ordained as persist and elected in political office, especially as governors and president should be mindful of their primary call to serve the people and be God-fearing in all ramifications,” he added.
Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Reverend Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, who led the ordination of the priest alongside other bishops, charged the newly ordained priest to be more committed to the work of God and soul winning.
In his remarks, the host, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Reverend Emmanuel Badejo, expressed his delight in the success of the church anniversary, the celebration of Bishop Adelakun, and the newly ordained priests, while he noted that the event was to compliment the growth of the church and populate the kingdom.
One of the high points of the weeklong event was the visit to six underprivileged homes in Oyo, Ogbomoso, Kisi, and Igboho; an interreligious dialogue forum; planting of anniversary trees, among other activities.
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