Catholic Diocese of Osogbo Deepens Pastoral Formation as Marriage Commission Concludes Third Phase of Training

A Renewed Commitment to Strengthening Catholic Homes and Marital Apostolate

The Marriage, Family and Human Life Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo has successfully concluded the third phase of its ongoing Marriage and Family Training, held from Friday 21st to Saturday 22nd November 2025 at the serene St Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State.

Akahi News gathered that the programme forms a cardinal part of the Diocese’s deepening pastoral commitment to building resilient Catholic homes, nurturing sacramental unions, and equipping couples with the spiritual, psychological and interpersonal tools required for flourishing Christian family life.

According to the Priest in Charge, Rev. Fr Patrick Ajayi, the initiative remains an integral expression of the Bishop’s pastoral solicitude for the faithful within and beyond the Diocese. He stressed that His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr John Akinkunmi Oyejola, has maintained a steadfast determination to fortify family structures as the nucleus of Christian society.

A Sacred Opening: Rosary Procession and Episcopal Welcome

Day one of the training commenced with a reverent rosary prayer, solemnly led by Rev. Fr Ajayi. Participants described the atmosphere as spiritually uplifting, with couples uniting their intentions for stronger marriages, deeper understanding and renewed grace.

Following the prayer, the priest formally welcomed all participating couples on behalf of the Bishop. Akahi News learnt that the welcome message emphasised the Diocese’s unwavering vision of raising families rooted in faith, compassion and mutual understanding—qualities which are indispensable in an age marked by emotional strain and domestic fractures.

Dr Paul Oyebiyi Delivers Insightful Lecture on Communication in Marriage

The first major presentation of this phase was delivered by Dr Paul Oyebiyi, Chairman of the Marriage, Family and Human Life Commission. His lecture, described by attendees as intellectually stimulating and pastorally grounded, focused on the Importance of Communication in Marriage.

Drawing examples from lived experience, scriptural insight and psychological models, Dr Oyebiyi emphasised that attentive listening remains the bedrock of effective communication. Couples, he argued, often hear each other without truly listening—an error which breeds misunderstanding, resentment and emotional disconnect.

Journalists who spoke with Akahi News noted that the lecture was enriched with practical demonstrations that helped couples recognise their communication blind spots and adopt healthier patterns of dialogue.

Day Two: Rev. Fr Patrick Ajayi Illuminates the Role of Temperament in Marriage

The second day witnessed a deeply engaging session led by Rev. Fr Patrick Ajayi on The Role of Temperament in Marriage, a theme rooted in classical psychological theory and Christian anthropology.

Referencing principles drawn from pastoral literature—reflected in documents reviewed by Akahi News—Fr Ajayi explained that temperament shapes how spouses think, react, communicate and manage conflict. The priest highlighted the four primary temperaments: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholic, and Phlegmatic, each with its unique constellation of strengths and developmental vulnerabilities.

He stressed that many marital tensions do not arise from malice but from temperamental differences, which, when misunderstood, lead to needless conflict. However, when spouses become aware of their natural dispositions, they can better empathise with each other, build emotional harmony and cultivate greater patience.

Fr Ajayi further illustrated, with pastoral clarity, how couples can integrate temperamental awareness with Christian virtues and the grace of the Holy Spirit—without which, he said, no family can attain lasting peace or holistic unity.

Strengthening Catholic Homes: A Continuing Mandate

Participants who interacted with Akahi News after the programme expressed profound appreciation for the Diocese’s consistent pastoral interventions. Many couples testified that the training had deepened their understanding of marital dynamics and rekindled commitment to harmonious family life.

The Commission announced that subsequent phases of the programme will continue to expand on themes such as emotional intelligence, Christian parenting, conflict resolution, sacramental spirituality, and holistic family welfare.

By this initiative, the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo continues to demonstrate exceptional pastoral leadership, ensuring that Catholic homes remain sanctuaries of love, duty and divine grace—an aspiration strongly championed by Bishop Oyejola.

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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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