St. James Catholic Parish, Olorunda-Abaa, Marks Feast Day with Novena, Talks, Medical Outreach and Thanksgiving

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

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The parishioners of St. James Catholic Parish, Olorunda-Abaa, together with their Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Akerele, celebrated the feast of their Patron Saint, St. James the Great, in a grand and spiritually enriching manner. The annual feast, which drew enthusiastic participation from parishioners and guests alike, spanned over a week of intense spiritual exercises, thought-provoking talks, community health initiatives, and joyful thanksgiving.

A banner announcing the Feast Day celebration of St. James Catholic Parish, Olorunda-Abaa, highlighting events such as Novena, talks, medical outreach, and thanksgiving, set against a backdrop of flowers.

Nine Days of Novena Prayer and Masses

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The celebration officially began with a nine-day Novena on Wednesday, 16th July, and concluded on Thursday, 24th July 2025. Each day, parishioners gathered in the church by 5:00 pm for the Novena prayers, seeking the intercession of St. James the Great, who is honoured as the Patron Saint of the Parish.

The spiritual exercise was followed by the Holy Mass daily, where Rev. Fr. Joseph Akerele reflected on the virtues of St. James. He described the Apostle as a friend of Jesus, whose life embodied loyalty, charity, zeal, passion, and an unwavering constancy in faith. According to him, the life of St. James remains a timeless example of Christian perseverance and long-suffering in the face of trials.

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Catechetical Talk on the Life of St. James the Great

On Wednesday, 23rd July 2025, parishioners received an in-depth catechetical lecture from Catechist James Akighir, who spoke extensively about the life and mission of St. James the Great.

He reminded the faithful that St. James, the brother of John and son of Zebedee, was one of the closest disciples of Christ. Alongside Peter and John, he witnessed extraordinary moments in Jesus’ ministry, including the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor and the agony in Gethsemane.

Catechist Akighir further explained that St. James’ fiery zeal earned him the title “Son of Thunder.” He emphasised the Apostle’s unique role as the first of the Twelve to be martyred for the Gospel. Tradition holds that his remains were transported to Spain, where they were laid to rest in Santiago de Compostela. Today, the site has become one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Catholic world, attracting countless faithful who seek spiritual renewal.

He concluded by highlighting St. James as the Patron Saint of Spain, pilgrims, veterinarians, pharmacists, and several professions, noting that his legacy continues to inspire Christians across the globe.

Women’s Role in Church and Society

On the final day of the Novena, Thursday, 24th July 2025, Dr. (Mrs.) Omotomilayo Oba delivered an enlightening lecture titled “Women’s Role in the Family, Church and Society: Women as Helper, Builder and Anchor.”

Drawing from Genesis 2:18, she reminded the faithful that God designed women to be helpers in the family and in nation-building. She emphasised that women’s influence as mothers, wives, and professionals extends far beyond the home, shaping the values of children and society at large.

Dr. Oba also urged women to embrace their role as salt of the earth and light of the world, bringing innovations to the Church and standing as bold witnesses of the Gospel. According to her, women’s spiritual strength is indispensable in sustaining both the family and the Church community.

Feast Day Celebration: Holy Mass and Homily

The climax of the celebration came on Friday, 25th July 2025, with the Feast Day Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Akerele.

In his homily, Fr. Akerele gave thanks to God for the successful conclusion of the Novena and for the enduring example of the Apostles, particularly St. James. He reminded parishioners to learn from the Apostle’s unwavering faith and heroic witness.

The Parish Priest also reflected on the inspiration behind the parish’s dedication to St. James, linking it to the missionary contributions of Fr. James O’Hea in St. Patrick Parish and within the Archdiocese. He noted the significant role played by the mother of James and John, who once asked Jesus to grant her sons positions of honour in His kingdom. This moment, he explained, taught the Apostles to seek higher spiritual goals, particularly martyrdom, for the sake of the Gospel.

After the Mass, parishioners and guests took a group photograph and joined in a modest but joyful celebration on the church premises.

Free Medical Outreach for the Community

The parish celebrations extended beyond spiritual activities. On Saturday, 26th July 2025, parishioners and members of the community benefitted from a free medical check-up organised by the parish health committee.

Health personnel conducted a series of diagnostic checks, while free medications were distributed to those in need. The initiative was supported by generous donors, including Our Lady of Apostle Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Oke-Offa, which itself is marking its 70th anniversary this year. The gesture underscored the parish’s commitment to holistic care—addressing both the spiritual and physical well-being of its members.

Grand Thanksgiving and Closing Homily

The feast day celebration concluded on Sunday, 27th July 2025, with a general thanksgiving Mass. Delivering his homily, Fr. Akerele centred his message on the theme: “The Gift of Learning: Prayer.”

He described prayer as both a divine gift and a lifelong learning process. Reflecting on the day’s liturgy, he posed three key questions for the faithful: What is prayer? When should we pray? How and why should we pray?

Drawing examples from Scripture, he explained that Abraham’s intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah demonstrates prayer as standing in the gap for others, while St. Paul reminds Christians of their place in Christ. In the Gospel, the disciples’ request to be taught how to pray illustrates the need to imitate Jesus’ loving relationship with the Father.

Fr. Akerele urged the parishioners to embrace prayer not as a selfish act but as an expression of generosity, reminding them that God listens when we remember others in our prayers. He concluded by calling on the faithful to allow the Holy Spirit to guide their prayer lives, seek God in the right places, and knock on the right doors of faith.

A Celebration of Faith and Community Spirit

The week-long feast of St. James the Great at Olorunda-Abaa was not just a religious event but a vibrant celebration of faith, unity, and service. From fervent prayers to intellectual reflections, from acts of charity to joyful thanksgiving, the parish demonstrated what it means to live in the spirit of their Patron Saint.

As the parishioners dispersed after the thanksgiving Mass, there was a shared sense of renewal and commitment to follow the example of St. James—living with zeal, constancy, and devotion to Christ.