Dr (Mrs) Taiwo Ayeleso Inspires Catholic Couples with Transformative Teaching on Marriage in Osogbo Diocese

Dr (Mrs) Taiwo Ayeleso Inspires Catholic Couples with Transformative Teaching on Marriage in Osogbo Diocese.

In a deeply enriching and spiritually nourishing encounter held today, Saturday, 19th of July, 2025, Catholic couples from across various parishes in the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo gathered to partake in the second phase of a highly impactful marriage formation programme. The event, convened at the Saint Kizito Pastoral Centre in Ede, Osun State, was marked by a profound and professionally delivered lecture by the esteemed speaker, Dr (Mrs) Taiwo Ayeleso, who offered practical and biblically grounded wisdom to the attentive couples.

The training initiative is the brainchild of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Akinkunmi Oyejola, whose pastoral sensitivity to the needs of the family — the “domestic church” — continues to inspire programmes of immense relevance to contemporary Catholic living. According to the Priest in Charge and Coordinator of the Marriage, Family and Human Life Commission, Rev. Fr Patrick Ajayi, the diocesan marriage training is designed to respond to the spiritual, emotional and practical realities of married life, thereby building stronger and more godly homes.

Dr (Mrs) Taiwo Ayeleso, a seasoned educator, counsellor, and devout Catholic, brought clarity and conviction to her teaching, drawing from both biblical authority and lived human experience. As she took the microphone, a respectful silence fell upon the hall, as couples leaned in to receive her heartfelt exhortation.

She began by rooting her talk in sacred scripture, highlighting the divine intention for harmony and partnership within the marital union. Drawing from Ephesians 5:22-33, she underlined the often-overlooked but powerful role of the wife as a builder of her home — not merely in physical terms, but through her words, support, and intentional affirmation.

“Women,” she said, “are mandated to support their husbands. They must be intentional about praising their husbands, especially when they do the right thing. Let your praise be louder than your criticism.” Her words resonated deeply, challenging societal trends where constant criticism has eroded the dignity and confidence of many men within their own homes.

Dr Ayeleso stressed that men tend to grow into the identity ascribed to them by their wives, insisting that a grateful and affirming wife becomes an indispensable support system in a man’s journey. “No woman who desires a peaceful and joyful home should talk down on her husband,” she emphasised.

In a compelling section of her talk, she tackled the principle of partnership in duties, decisions and purpose. The marriage covenant, she insisted, is not a competition of egos but a collaboration of callings. Whether in ministry, business or family affairs, the man and woman must walk side by side.

“Whatever ministry or work our husbands have embraced, let us support them. Let them know we are proud of their vision. And in the home, let us not relegate the man to financial burdens alone. When a woman is working, there is absolutely nothing ungodly in supporting the man financially. It is a collective responsibility to build a strong home,” she explained, to the murmurs of agreement among the couples present.

Her teaching carried particular weight in a time when many Christian homes are grappling with financial pressure and emotional disconnect. She reminded the audience that sacrificial love and mutual support are the bedrocks of Christian marriage.

Perhaps the most spiritually stirring portion of her lecture came when she addressed the issue of spirituality within marriage. She reaffirmed the theological principle that the man is the spiritual head of the home (1 Corinthians 11:3), yet she quickly added that this role requires the active prayerful support of the woman. “Do not watch your husband fail spiritually while you remain silent,” she urged. “Cover him with prayer. Stand in the gap for him. Your prayers can preserve your husband’s calling and uplift your family.”

Her words were not merely theoretical; they were pastoral, practical, and deeply inspiring. Many couples were visibly moved, with some reflecting quietly and others nodding in humble agreement.

As the session drew to a close, Rev. Fr Patrick Ajayi commended Dr Ayeleso for her deep insights and passionate delivery. He reminded the couples that this programme, the second of its kind in 2025, is a continuation of the diocese’s mission to provide structured and faith-filled formation for families. He further encouraged the participants to carry the lessons learned into their daily lives, nurturing homes that reflect the love, patience, and mercy of Christ.

The Marriage, Family and Human Life Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, through initiatives such as this, continues to serve as a vital channel for the renewal of family life in accordance with Catholic teaching and African values.

Indeed, today’s session was not merely a lecture. It was a renewal of hearts, a restoration of perspective, and a call to live out the vocation of marriage with holiness, humility, and shared purpose.

As couples departed the venue, their faces bore testimony to the grace they had received. Many left with renewed determination to love better, speak kinder, and walk more faithfully with their spouse — all for the greater glory of God.

Joseph Iyaji +2348038644328