The Catholic faithful across Ife Deanery in Osun State gathered in large numbers on Thursday, 26 March 2026, as His Lordship, Most Rev. John Akinkumi Oyejola, Bishop of Osogbo Catholic Diocese, paid his annual Cathedratecum visit to St Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife. The spiritually enriching occasion, marked by solemn liturgy, deep theological reflection, and communal unity, stood out as a defining moment of faith renewal for clergy and laity alike.

Akahi News gathered that the visit, which forms part of the Bishop’s pastoral responsibility to strengthen the bond between the shepherd and his flock, drew participation from priests, religious, and parishioners across the Deanery, all united in reverence and expectation.

A Homily of Depth: Revisiting Abraham as Father of Faith

The highlight of the Mass was the homily delivered by Rev. Fr Michael Akinsode, Parish Priest of Perpetual Light Catholic Church, Obafemi Awolowo University Campus. In what many described as a scholarly and deeply reflective exposition, the cleric led the congregation into the historical and theological richness of the biblical figure Abraham.

Beginning with the etymology of the name Abram, Fr Akinsode explained that it originally meant “exalted father.” He then traced the divine transformation of the name to Abraham, meaning “father of a multitude,” as recorded in the Scriptures. According to him, this change was not merely linguistic but profoundly covenantal, symbolising God’s promise to make Abraham the patriarch of many nations.

With clarity and intellectual depth, the priest unfolded how Abraham stands as the foundational figure across three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He explained that Christianity and Islam both trace their spiritual heritage to the roots established within Judaism, thereby placing Abraham at the centre of a shared religious history.

Akahi News learnt that the congregation responded with keen attention as the homilist carefully bridged scriptural accounts with theological insight, offering a rare depth that resonated with both scholars and ordinary faithful.

Covenant, Obedience and Faith: Lessons from Scripture

Drawing from the first reading of the day (Genesis 17:3–9), Fr Akinsode described Abraham as the “covenantal ancestor” and unequivocal father of faith. He outlined three central reasons for this enduring title.

First, Abraham’s obedience to God, even in moments of uncertainty, set him apart as a model of unwavering trust. Secondly, his faith in God’s promises, despite human limitations, established him as a spiritual archetype for all believers. Thirdly, the covenantal act of circumcision sealed his relationship with God, marking a visible sign of divine commitment.

The cleric further emphasised that, in Christian theology, Abraham is regarded as the spiritual father of all believers. He explained that Abraham’s willingness to offer his son Isaac prefigured the sacrificial mission of Christ, thereby linking Old Testament typology with New Testament fulfilment.

In Islamic tradition, he noted, Abraham—referred to as Ibrahim—is honoured as a “primal Muslim” and a friend of God, reinforcing his universal significance across faith traditions.

Scriptural Insight and Theological Clarifications

Referencing the Gospel reading (John 8:51–59), Fr Akinsode highlighted the covenantal tensions that arose between Jesus and the Jewish audience of His time. He explained that Christ’s declaration—“Before Abraham was, I am”—points to His eternal pre-existence, a truth further supported by passages such as John 17:24 and Colossians 1:17.

The priest used these scriptural references to reinforce the divine identity of Christ and the continuity of God’s salvific plan across generations. He stressed that believers today are spiritually adopted into this covenant, becoming children of God through faith.

In a moment of pastoral reassurance, he reminded the faithful not to live in fear, noting that the phrase “Do not be afraid” appears repeatedly in Scripture, symbolising God’s constant presence and assurance for believers throughout the year.

Cathedratecum: A Sign of Unity and Support

At the climax of his homily, Fr Akinsode connected the day’s readings to the significance of the Cathedratecum. He explained that the term, also known as Cathedratical, represents a symbolic expression of unity between the Bishop and the faithful.

According to him, the Cathedratecum is not merely a tradition but a spiritual act rooted in communion with the Bishop, who serves as the shepherd of the diocese. He urged the faithful to support the Bishop wholeheartedly—through prayers, material resources, and active participation in the life of the Church.

“It is a sign of our submission to his shepherdship and our unity with God who sent him,” he stated, praying that God would richly bless all who contribute to the work of the Church.

Bishop Oyejola Commends Scholarly Excellence, Urges Faith Deepening

Following the Mass, Bishop Oyejola expressed profound appreciation for the depth and clarity of the homily, commending Fr Akinsode for his exceptional theological insight and delivery.

He used the opportunity to charge Catholics across Osogbo Diocese to take the “Deepening the Faith” programme seriously. The Bishop explained that the initiative provides a platform for the faithful to ask questions, seek clarifications, and grow in their understanding of Catholic doctrine.

Akahi News gathered that the Bishop emphasised the importance of informed faith, noting that a well-grounded understanding of doctrine strengthens commitment and guards against confusion in an increasingly complex world.

Expressions of Gratitude and Communal Unity

In a heartfelt address, Bishop Oyejola extended his gratitude to the entire Ife Catholic Deanery for the warm reception accorded him. He specifically acknowledged the host parish, St Mary’s Catholic Church, under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Msgr Michael O. Okodua, as well as the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr Ojomuyide Lawrence, and all parishioners.

He also commended the Dean of Priests in Ife Deanery, Very Rev. Fr Dr Peter Adeyemi, for his dedication and effective coordination of pastoral activities within the Deanery. The Bishop further appreciated the presence of priests, religious, and parishioners from various parishes who turned out in solidarity.

In a reciprocal gesture, Very Rev. Fr Dr Peter Adeyemi thanked the Bishop for his faithful and selfless leadership of the Diocese. He also welcomed first-time participants in the Cathedratecum, particularly members from the Navy Barracks, Kosere, along Ifewara Road, describing their presence as a testament to the growing unity of the Deanery.

A Renewed Call to Faith and Responsibility

The 2026 Cathedratecum visit to Ife Deanery was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a profound spiritual encounter that rekindled faith, deepened understanding, and strengthened ecclesial unity.

Through a homily rich in historical context and theological depth, the faithful were reminded of their identity as children of God, heirs to a covenant that began with Abraham and finds fulfilment in Christ. The Bishop’s call to deepen faith and actively support the Church further underscored the responsibilities that accompany this identity.

As the faithful departed, the message remained clear: faith is not merely inherited—it must be understood, lived, and continually renewed. By Joseph Iyaji 08038644328

Akahi News www.akahinews.org