2025 World Mission Sunday Celebration in the Seminary

The Catholic Major Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul, Bodija, Ibadan, joined the universal Church in celebrating World Mission Sunday 2025 with a solemn Mass, mission outreach lecture, and a lively community event centered on the theme “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples,” as reflected upon by Pope Francis and given by Pope Leo XIV

SSPP Bodija

The celebration began with the Holy Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the seminary chapel, presided over by Rev. Fr. Michael Chiaha, the chief celebrant. In his homily, he reflected on the Church’s 99-year-old Mission Sunday tradition established by Pope Pius XI in 1926. From the story of Jonah, he emphasized the the theological concept Kenosis reminding us to open ourselves to self-emptying and participate in the universal call to evangelization through prayer, mercy, and service to the poor.

Upon completion of the Mass, activities continued at the seminary auditorium. The Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Igbekele, in his welcome address, first acknowledged the presence of all, subsequently emphasizing that every baptized Christian shares in the Church’s missionary mandate. 
The mission outreach lecture, delivered by Rev. Fr. Daniel Izebuno, parish priest of St. Mary Catholic Church, Egbeda, Archdiocese of Ibadan, was titled “Rediscovering Our Identity: Missionaries and Weavers of Hope.” He encouraged everyone, especially young people, to see themselves as God’s messengers and “hope builders” in a world filled with challenges.

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The event also featured cultural performances, a short drama by St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary, and musical renditions by the Horns Clash Academy of our great seminary. Representatives from the Diocesans, over 20 religious congregations, including the Capuchin Friars, Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Roses, and the Daughters of Divine Love, introduced their orders and apostolates.

The mission outreach celebration concluded with a fun-filled interactive session with the youths of Ibadan Archdiocese, seminarians, priests and religious at the seminary basketball court featuring games, dance, and group competitions. The day ended at 5:50 p.m. with prayers and benediction led by Rev. Fr. Benedict Ashade, Dean of Pastoral Affairs.
 

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