Open Your Minds and Let Go of Bitterness, Fr Bamigboye Tells Faithful at Ile-Ife Pentecost Retreat
Rev. Fr Francis Bamigboye, Chaplain of Ife Deanery Catholic Charismatic Renewal and Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, OAU Road 7, Ile-Ife, has urged Catholic faithful to open their minds, examine their consciences and embrace reconciliation during the 2026 Pentecost Retreat. Akahi News learnt that the cleric made the call on Wednesday, 21 May 2026, during Day 1 of the 3-day retreat held at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral Church, Lagere, Ile-Ife, within the Osogbo Catholic Diocese.
It is not a child’s play to gather hundreds of faithful in prayer when the country is facing economic hardship. But when will Nigerians choose reconciliation over resentment in moments of pain? Fr Bamigboye told the congregation that the retreat is a time to let go of bitterness and allow God to work in their lives.
What the Cleric Said on Day 1
Akahi News gathered that Fr Bamigboye told participants that the purpose of the three-day retreat ahead of Pentecost Sunday is to prepare hearts through confession, reflection and renewal.
“What is expected of faithful in the course of these three days Retreat is to open our minds, examine our consciences, and go for confession and let go of every bitterness,” he said.
He acknowledged the hardship many Nigerians are facing, but warned against letting worry deepen the pain. Drawing from the Gospel story of the road to Emmaus, he reminded the faithful that Jesus journeys with them even in difficult moments.
“We are in pain in this country, no doubt about that, but when we worry we double our pains. So, what we are supposed to do is just like the Disciples on their way to Emmaus – they were complaining but Jesus was working with them. See that whatever you’re going through in these trial moments, God is also journeying with you on your own road to Emmaus,” he said.
Role of the Holy Spirit in the Journey of Faith
Akahi News learnt that the cleric emphasised the role of the Holy Spirit as a guide for believers navigating life’s challenges.
He encouraged participants to use the retreat to seek spiritual renewal and to trust that God’s presence remains constant even in uncertainty. The retreat continues until Pentecost Sunday with sessions on prayer, teaching and sacramental reconciliation.
For students in Ile-Ife preparing for Post UTME, Pre-degree, WAEC and NECO, GCE, JUPEB, and School of Nursing entrance examinations, the retreat offers a moment of reflection before exams. Akahi Tutors in Ile-Ife provides coaching to help candidates gain admission into OAU Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria, University of Lagos, University of Calabar, University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin and others. Contact 08038644328 or WhatsApp http://wa.me/2348038644328.
Fr Bamigboye’s message set the tone for the retreat by linking personal spiritual renewal to the wider struggles of the nation. As the faithful continue the three-day programme, the focus remains on forgiveness, faith and openness to the Holy Spirit.
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