Ife Catholic Communicators Hold Spirit-Filled Lenten Retreat, Urged to Reflect Christ in Service

A Sacred Gathering Marked by Deep Reflection

The 2026 Ife Catholic Deanery Social Communication Commission Lenten Retreat was held today, Saturday, 21st March 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mokuro, NTA Road, Ile-Ife, drawing members into a profound atmosphere of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Stephen Ilesanmi, warmly welcomed participants on behalf of the Deanery Chaplain, Rev. Fr Emmanuel Idowu, who currently serves at St John’s Parish, Ilode, Ile-Ife.

According to Akahi News, the retreat commenced at 10:00am with the Rosary at the church chapel, setting a solemn tone for the gathering. This was followed by deeply reflective Catholic hymns that transformed the environment into a serene space of silence, contemplation, and inward spiritual encounter.

In those quiet moments, one question seemed to linger in the hearts of many: In a noisy world filled with constant distractions, when last did we truly listen to God in silence?

The Gospel Reflection: Understanding the Nature of Temptation

The spiritual highlight of the retreat came with the Gospel reading from Matthew 4:1–11, delivered by Rev. Fr Stephen Ilesanmi, who offered a rich and thought-provoking reflection on the three stages of temptation faced by Christ.

He explained that temptation itself is not a sin, but yielding to it is where the fall occurs. The priest emphasised that the devil often targets individuals at their weakest points, knowing their desires and moments of vulnerability.

Akahi News gathered that the cleric broke down the temptations into three distinct stages:

The first, where Satan urged Christ to turn stones into bread, was described as an attempt to impose control and direction over Jesus. Yet, Christ resisted, choosing obedience to God over immediate gratification.

The second temptation involved urging Jesus to throw Himself from a height, testing divine protection. Again, Christ refused, demonstrating discernment and trust in God rather than succumbing to spectacle.

The third temptation, offering worldly riches and power, was identified as the ultimate test of loyalty. The priest noted that despite the allure, Christ remained steadfast, fully aware that all authority belongs to God.

This raises a deeper reflection: How often do we recognise temptation when it appears attractive rather than dangerous? And do we truly understand the cost of giving in?

A Call to Communicators: Use the Pulpit to Transform Lives

Turning his message directly to the Catholic communicators present, Rev. Fr Ilesanmi delivered a powerful charge on the responsibility of those who serve at the altar through communication.

He stressed that the pulpit is not merely a place for announcements but a sacred platform capable of transforming lives. Every word spoken, he said, carries the potential to uplift or mislead.

Akahi News learnt that the priest warned of spiritual distractions, noting that even during Mass, communicators can be influenced or distracted if they lack proper spiritual preparation.

He challenged participants with probing questions:
How often do we prepare spiritually before stepping onto the altar?
Do we approach our duties as routine tasks or as divine assignments?

The cleric urged communicators to seek personal encounters with Christ at every Mass, stressing that the authenticity of one’s faith is revealed through visible fruits.

“Let people see Christ in you,” he charged, reminding them that true communication in the Church goes beyond words—it is reflected in character, presence, and spiritual depth.

Intellectual Engagement and Closing Moments

Following the reflection, participants engaged in an interactive question-and-answer session, during which Rev. Fr Ilesanmi demonstrated notable theological depth and clarity in addressing concerns.

The session further enriched the retreat, allowing communicators to connect doctrine with practical realities in their service.

The retreat concluded with a brief but heartfelt prayer, sealing the day’s reflections and leaving participants with renewed spiritual strength to confront life’s temptations.

Beyond the Retreat: A Moment of Inner Examination

While the retreat may have ended, its message continues to echo:
If Christ Himself was tempted, what makes us think we are exempt?
And if we claim to serve God, does our daily conduct truly reflect Him?

In a time where communication shapes perception and belief, the call for spiritually grounded communicators has never been more urgent.

As the Lenten season deepens, the challenge remains clear—not just to speak about Christ, but to embody Him.

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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