As part of efforts to deepen the spiritual and vocational awareness of the youths in Oyo Diocese, and expose them to new spiritual horizons, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of Oyo Diocese, sponsored 12 young ladies on a weekend pilgrimage to Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, Lekki, Lagos. With joy and thanksgiving, and hearts full of gratitude, after a spiritually enriching weekend, Bishop Badejo, in a scene reminiscent of that of Jesus and his disciples, received the youths and Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Agwu, the diocesan youth animator.
Sharing her experience of spiritual enrichment, Benedicta Ayanwale from St. Francis Catholic Church, Adesakin Layout, Awe, thanked the Bishop for the opportunity given to her to learn about monastic life. “The community’s dedication to prayer and service was inspiring. One valuable takeaway for me is the importance of embracing silence to listen to God’s voice”, she said. Roseline Olayiwola from St. Mary Catholic Church, Ife Odan, said, “We were shown relics of saints, like Blessed Cyprian Iwene Tansi, Pope St. John Paul II, and St. Theresa of Avila. Even the first chair used by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Nigeria. It was all inspiring.”
In a phone interview, Rev. Sr. Maria Assumpta of the Holy Spirit, Vocation Directress of her Congregation at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, described the visit as a historic moment for the Monastery. “It was a privilege hosting these young ladies. This was the first time we received such a large group. Their enthusiasm to understand our way of life, especially the sacred silence was remarkable,” she said. The young pilgrims expressed deep gratitude to Bishop Badejo for his generosity and foresight, adding that his dedication to nurturing faith and vocations continues to make a lasting impact.
Sr. Agwu, expressing gratitude in her cryptic message, described the pilgrimage as a wonderful experience. She said, “Many of us make excuses— ‘I am too young,’ ‘I am not good enough,’ or ‘I am too busy.’ But God doesn’t call the perfect. He calls the willing. Think of Mary, who said ‘Yes’ with courage. God can use even the broken to reveal His glory. All He needs is your ‘Yes.” For his part, Bishop Badejo encouraged the ladies to share their experiences with others as pilgrims of hope, and continue to contribute their quota in their own way in the Church.
He thanked the parents who enthusiastically permitted their daughters to go on the pilgrimage, the priests, especially Fr. Michael Oyedare and the sister who helped him coordinate the pilgrimage, especially the nuns in the monastery who received the ladies so well. Particular thanks to Mother Benedicta of Jesus, the Mother Abess of the monastery who initially expressed the desire to “welcome one or two girls from Oyo to the monastery” and supported the Bishop’s plans.
“My only desire” said the Bishop, “is to expose our youths to the wealth of the Church’s spiritual tradition at every level and leave the rest to the Holy Spirit to direct them. I also know that such group experiences help our youths to build lasting friendship with and learn from one another. Who knows what they could be doing for God and for humanity in the future?”
