DEEPEN YOUR FAITH, SHUN ELECTORAL INDISCIPLINE, BISHOP OYEJOLA CHARGES CATHOLIC FAITHFUL AT OKE-MARIA
BY TOPE LAWRENCE ABIOLA
The Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola has charged Catholic Faithful in the Diocese to deepen their faith in Catholic teachings, ecumenism and christian lives.
Bishop Oyejola while addressing thousands of people who converged on the Oke Maria pilgrimage Center, located at Iresi Road, Otan Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State at the weekend enjoined the pilgrims to activate their participations in the pious organisations in their various parishes.
The Bishop noted that the Church’s pious organisations like “the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary; St Anthony’s Guild, Divine Mercy, Legions of Mary and other societies in the church can deepen their devotees and improve their christian lives.
He charged the Priests to ensure that their parishioners are involved in the activities of the societies.
The Bishop who commended the participation of the Faithful in Osogbo Diocese in the “Deepening the Faith” programme, organized in all churches in the Diocese at all Masses on Sundays said “it is important for you to know your faith”.
It would be recalled that the prelate introduced the “Deepening the Faith” programme about four years ago in the Diocese and it has been widely accepted in the Diocese as it addresses various issues bothering on the Church doctrine, politics, social and spiritual relationship of the people of God. It rejuvenates their love for Christ and fellow human beings.
The 2023 Oke Maria Pilgrimage themed “Mary, Our Advocate, Turn Your Eyes of Mercy Towards Us (John 2: 1-11)”, witnessed series of spirit-filled programmes which included, praying of the rosary, penitential service, adoration of the blessed sacrament, healing and deliverance service and many spirit lift programmes.
The Osogbo Chief Shepard while giving his post-communion address commended the resilience and spiritual doggedness of the people who thronged the Marian Shrine in spite of fuel and financial scarcities biting the country at this crucial time.
He admonished the pilgrims not to relent in their prayers and spiritual devotions. He enthused that the country would soon overcome it’s present situation.
He enjoined the congregation to perform their civic responsibility in the coming general elections by casting their votes for the candidates of their choice.
The clergy warned them to shun all forms of electioneering immoralities, such as; vote buying and selling and other anti-social acts at the polls, which he described as a “Capital Sin”
The programme had started on Saturday at the field of St Nicholas Pro-Cathedral before pilgrims processed to the mountain in joyous mood.
Speaking with the pilgrims, the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev John Oyejola, expressed pleasure at the turnout and urged pilgrims not to relent in their faith.
The Chief Shepherd said, “I am encouraged with the turnout despite the naira scarcity and fuel crisis.”
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