By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
On the occasion of the triple celebration marking the 55th anniversary of the canonical erection of Ijebu Ode diocese, his 5th episcopal ordination anniversary, and his 60th birthday, Bishop Francis Adesina paid glowing tributes to his predecessors and pioneer lay members, living and dead, acknowledging their immense contributions to the foundation and growth of the diocese.
During the Holy Mass of thanksgiving on June 28, 2024, at St. Sebastian Cathedral in Ijebu Ode, the third Bishop of Ijebu Ode diocese praised the missionary work of Padre Francesco Borghero, who arrived in Ijebu land in 1864, and the dedication of his predecessors, Bishops Anthony Saliu Sanusi and Albert Ayinde Fasina. He also thanked various agents of evangelization, including priests, catechists, lay leaders, and religious, for their unwavering support.
Bishop Adesina used the occasion to appeal for support in building a new St. Sebastian Cathedral Church, a project he described as a “befitting Catholic edifice” for the worship of God. He expressed regrets for the inconveniences guests experienced due to the ongoing reconstruction work on the Cathedral building.
“I am very sorry for any discomfort I may have unintentionally caused. However, I want to highlight that I am the only Catholic Bishop in Nigeria with a ‘Cathedral – Bishop’s Chair’ but no Cathedral building to respectfully place the Bishop’s Episcopal Chair. I beg you, in the Most Holy Name of Jesus Christ, to come to our aid in Ijebu-Ode Diocese! Join us in building this new Cathedral Church! Help me complete this befitting Catholic edifice for the worship of God in the heart of the Muslim city of Ijebu-Ode!”
In his sermon, Bishop Anthony Ewherido of Warri diocese noted that the triple celebration was worth thanking God for, as it testifies to God’s grace and mercy manifested in the dedicated lives of the last two bishops and the growth experienced in the diocese over the past 55 years. He encouraged all the people of God to corporately work with the bishop to realize the vision captured in the diocesan pastoral plan: “Moving Forward in Faith and Action.”
Bishop Ewherido particularly encouraged the laity to take ownership of the Church and work together with their bishop and priests to ensure a stronger hold on Ijebu and Remo Land. He also urged Bishop Adesina to continue trusting in God’s grace and mercy, which has led him thus far, and advised him, as he turns 60, to be kinder to himself, listen to his body, and continue giving his best to the Church.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the church and state, traditional rulers, and members of other Christian denominations and Muslim communities.
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