Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo Bless C.W.O.-built BVM Grotto and C.M.O.-built Chapel at St. Ignatius Parish

CMO and CWO of the church with the bishop and concelebrants

By Ezeanya Gerald

The chief shepherd of Abeokuta Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo, on Sunday, August 18, 2019, made his pastoral visit to St. Ignatius Parish Magboro, Ogun State, during which he blessed the Grotto and Chapel donated by Catholic Women Organization (C.W.O) and Catholic men Organization (C.M.O) respectively.

Speaking at the visit, during which he administered the sacrament of confirmation on 155 deserving Catholic faithful of the parish, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo commended the Parish Priest, Revd. Fr. Joseph Ogbebor and the entire parishioners for their efforts in actualizing the project in the parish saying that there is a great development in the parish. He urged all not to relent in their good works and donations to the church.

In his homily of the concelebrated Holy Mass, Bishop Peter, who based his reflection on readings of the Sunday, tasked all on spirit of endurance and should pray for God to give them grace to apply wisdom in whatever they do.

According to the bishop, a Christian that endures gets help from God. He noted that it was Jeremiah's endurance in the pit that led God to help him out.

Bishop Peter, who also stressed the importance of prayers to Christians. He also described Jesus as the Peacemaker as when Jesus said he will give us peace which the world cannot give.

Blessing the grotto and chapel, the bishop described it as a necessity which would enable parishioners have Jesus and his mother Mary side by side and thus have closer relationship with God. He pleaded with the C.W.O to make it a point of duty in making sure that the grotto lacks no flower now and subsequent time. He also urged parishioners to protect the Chapel extremely.

In his remarks, the Parish Priest, Fr. Joseph, thanked God for his favour and care upon them. He appreciated Bishop Peter for his pastoral visit to their parish. Revd. Fr. Joseph Ogbebor thanked parishioners on their relentless effort towards the development of the church and that of the pastoral centre. He urged them to continue with their good works towards the contribution in the building of the pastoral centre. He finally reminded the parishioners on another pastoral visit by the bishop coming up on 11th January 2020 to their parish for church dedication.