Osogbo Diocese to Commission Over 20 Couples at 2026 Chrism Mass in Landmark Family Apostolate Initiative
The Catholic Diocese of Osogbo is set to witness a significant spiritual milestone as the Marriage, Family and Human Life Commission prepares to commission over 20 couples drawn from parishes across the Diocese.
The commissioning ceremony, which will take place during the 2026 Chrism Mass at St Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Osogbo, on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, is expected to mark a new phase in grassroots evangelisation and family apostolate within the Diocese.
Akahi News gathered that the initiative is part of a broader pastoral strategy designed to strengthen Christian family life, promote marital stability, and empower trained couples to serve as agents of evangelisation within their communities.
Bishop Oyejola’s Vision for Stronger Christian Families
According to the Chaplain of the Commission, Rev. Fr Patrick Ajayi, the programme is the brainchild of the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. John Akinkunmi Oyejola.
The initiative reflects the Bishop’s long-standing commitment to deepening family values and reinforcing the Church’s teachings on marriage as a sacred institution.
Fr Ajayi explained that the selected couples have undergone a comprehensive training programme structured in four distinct phases, each designed to equip them with the theological, moral, and practical knowledge required for their mission.
Akahi News learnt that only those who successfully completed all stages of the training and met the required criteria will be formally commissioned during the Chrism Mass.
Rigorous Training and Spiritual Formation
The training programme, described as intensive and transformative, covered key aspects of Christian marriage, including communication, conflict resolution, parenting, and faith-based family leadership.
Participants were also exposed to doctrinal teachings of the Church, ensuring that they are not only knowledgeable but also spiritually grounded to guide others.
Those who were unable to complete any phase of the training will be required to carry over, as the Diocese insists on full participation to guarantee proper formation and effectiveness in their future roles.
Role of Commissioned Couples in Evangelisation
The newly commissioned couples will be entrusted with the responsibility of evangelising other families, particularly young couples, within and beyond their parishes.
Their mission, according to Church authorities, is to foster lasting peace in marriages, provide guidance rooted in Catholic teaching, and serve as role models of Christian family life.
This initiative is expected to create a ripple effect across the Diocese, strengthening homes and contributing to a more stable and morally grounded society.
Akahi News gathered that the Church views the family as the “domestic church,” making it a critical focal point for evangelisation and spiritual growth.
Chrism Mass: A Sacred Gathering of Unity
The commissioning will take place within the context of the Chrism Mass, one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in the Catholic Church.
The Mass, which traditionally brings together priests, religious, and the faithful, symbolises unity within the Diocese and includes the blessing of sacred oils used throughout the year.
The event is expected to draw a large congregation from across Osun State and beyond, as the faithful gather not only to participate in the liturgy but also to witness the commissioning of the couples.
Public Recognition and Symbolism
In a symbolic gesture, the names of the couples to be commissioned will appear in white on the day of the ceremony, signifying purity, readiness, and dedication to their new apostolic responsibilities.
This public recognition underscores the importance of their role and serves as encouragement for others to embrace similar commitments in the future.
Live Coverage and Wider Participation
In line with its commitment to timely and impactful reporting, Akahi News will provide live coverage of the event through its official YouTube channel.
Interested viewers can join the live stream via: https://youtube.com/@akahinews
The Chrism Mass is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
The commissioning of over 20 couples by the Osogbo Catholic Diocese represents a forward-thinking approach to evangelisation—one that places the family at the centre of the Church’s mission.
As these couples step into their new roles, expectations are high that their training and commitment will translate into tangible impact, strengthening marriages and nurturing faith across generations.
With the Diocese setting a strong example, this initiative may well serve as a model for other regions seeking to revitalise family life through structured spiritual formation.
Names of Couples and their respective parishes:
- Mr Isaac Adeolu & Mrs Rachael Olajumoke OMOTOSO – St James Okinni
- Mr Charles Olutayo & Mrs Roseline Funmi AJIBADE – St Benedict Cathedral Osogbo
- Engr Emmanuel Opeyemi & Mrs Catherine Oladunni ONI – Ss John & Paul Oranfe, Ile-Ife
- Sir Monday Ejededawemen & Lady Mercy Ejodamen IRABOR – Ss John & Paul Oranfe, Ile-Ife
- Mr Paul & Mrs Anthonia OPARA – St Mary Igboya, Ile-Ife
- Catechist Albert Oyekunle & Mrs Florence Titilayo OROMAKINDE – St Lawrence Akarabata, Modakeke
- Mr Peter & Mrs Rebecca Opeyemi OYINLOYE – St James Okinni
- Mr Pius Adeniyi & Mrs Francisca Tolulope TOKEDE – Sacred Heart Oke-Fia
- Mr Stephen Blessing & Mrs Grace Adekemi APEBIOLOTO – St Vincent De Paul Ogooluwa
- Mr Matins & Mrs Agnes ADEBISI – St Michael Oyan
- Dr Charles Ikechukwu & Dr Mrs Ijeoma KONWEA – St Patrick & Parakin, Ile-Ife
- Mr Joseph Akahi & Mrs Joy Lois IYAJI – Ss Peter & Paul Lagere, Ile-Ife
- Mr Innocent Omoniyi & Mrs Francisca Agnes ABESIN – St Thomas, Ota-Efun, Osogbo
- Mr James Ayotunde & Mrs Eunice Oluronke AINA – St James Okinni
- Mr Joseph & Mrs Clara AKANDE – Sacred Heart Oke-Fia
- Mr Clement & Mrs Caroline AKINBOTE – St Lawrence Oke-Ayepe, Osogbo
- Mr Adewale Charles & Mrs Olabisi Mary FADAHUNSI – St Anthony Aagba
- Catechist Joseph Oluwasesan & Mrs Deborah Oluwafunmike ADETOYE – St Joseph Ifon – Ilobu Parish
- Engr Joseph & Mrs Mary ADETAYO – St Mary Pro-cathedral Ilesa
- Mr Augustine & Mrs Parpetual UMEADI – St Mary Pro-cathedral Ilesa
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