The Archdiocese of Ibadan: A Diocese with a Galaxy of Vocations Fr Lawrence Ogundipe, SDV The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan stands today as one of the most vibrant ecclesiastical territories in Nigeria and indeed in Africa. From its humble missionary beginnings to its present status as a Metropolitan Archdiocese, Ibadan has become a fertile ground for priestly and religious vocations. The Archdiocese shines like a galaxy filled with seminarians, priests, religious brothers, religious sisters, formation houses, apostolic institutes, and missionary congregations devoted to the service of God and humanity. Historically, the Catholic faith in Ibadan dates back to the arrival of the early missionaries of the Society of African Missions, especially Rev. Fr. Theodore Holley and Jean-Baptist Chausse. The first Mass in the area was celebrated at Oke-Are in 1884. The territory later became an Apostolic Prefecture in 1952, a Diocese in 1958, and eventually a Metropolitan Archdiocese i...