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The Chief speaker at the pilgrimage, Rev. Fr. Paul Ologun Sdv has charged all Christians in Nigeria to deepen their Spiritual journey with God. Speaking recently in Abeokuta at the19th edition of the annual diocesan pilgrimage held on the 7th and 8th of December at the Catholic Bishop's Court in Abeokuta, the cleric noted, “the only sure hope that we have as Nigerians in 2019, is to journey with the Lord."
According to him, “Jesus invites each one of us to make our journey with him especially as we draw to the close of this year 2018 and look forward to the year 2019. If we acknowledge Him and make our journey with him, he has promised to be by our side till the end of time, to face life’s challenges with us. With him at our side, we have nothing to fear, nothing to be afraid of”
Fr Ologun pointed out that the theme for the pilgrimage “COURAGE! IT IS I, DO NOT BE Afraid” pre-supposes fear while delivering his pungent and exhortative sermon. He alluded the Scriptural passage of Mk. 6:45-50, where the disciples of Jesus were faced with a stormy wind on their journey via the sea towards Bethsaida. The Preacher gave a graphic illustration of the difficulties the disciples encountered on the journey, and how the storm was a stumbling block to their destination. He said, “The disciples of Jesus were gripped with fear struggling for their lives because with the storm, they were face-to-face with death. It was in this situation that Jesus came to them, to comfort them, calm their fears and restore normalcy to their lives.”
In his gentle but firm theological language, the current parish priest of St Leo Catholic Church Otun, Fr Ologun described “Storm or wind” in the Greek Language as anemos which means a disturbed state of the atmosphere, a violent uproar that is unpleasant and destructive. Apart from its literal meaning, it could also be used metaphorically to symbolise the various challenges of life {the storms of life}. He said, “The disciples were faced with the storms of life just as we are today. Their situation is still relevant in our time, especially in the face of the prevailing crisis, tensions and anxiety around us. Many are faced with sickness, unemployment especially those who have lost their jobs and others are faced with barrenness, stagnation, marriage crisis”, he noted.
The homilist, therefore, challenged the pilgrims to believe they have come to encounter Jesus and reinforced their faith in His transforming power for a nation like Nigeria. He re-echoed the actions of Jesus in the face of the storm when Jesus said to his disciples “do not be afraid” and asked the Pilgrims to apply the same faith to their stormy situations of life.
In context, he advocated that Nigeria can be saved and be victorious if there is divine intervention through a true and spiritual journey with God. The speaker asked a pertinent question: “who do you run to in the face of trials and troubles of life?” He highlighted that many Christians are misled in times of crisis and temptations of life, emphasising how the self- styled pastors have ripped off so many Christians who run from pillar to post seeking signs and miracles but getting disappointments and frustrations. He advised that “Catholics should profess their faith in God, and show confidence in his ability to take care of us; but when we are confronted with life’s challenges, do we still remember him and that he is Almighty?
The Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Most Rev Dr, Peter Odetoyinbo, graced the annual event with Priests, Religious, Consecrated Persons and Lay faithful within the length and breadth of the Diocese. The mammoth crowd of Catholics, Christians and non-Christians experienced packed spirit-filled programmes and devotionals in honour of Blessed Virgin Mary celebrating the feast of Immaculate Conception. Other programmes were the celebration of Holy Mass, penitential service and the solemn and colourful rosary procession with the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from St Bernadette Private School, Onikolobo to the Bishop's in Onikoko, Abeokuta.
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