HISTORY OF CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENENEWAL IN IJEBU- ODE DIOCESE

The history of the renewal is not quite certain. However, renewal activities had started in the middle of 1980. The main parishes where renewal fellowships were established were St. sebastine Cathedral Ijebu-Ode, St Anthony Catholic Church Sagamu and Oru Parish. The then chaplain was Rev. Fr Fautunate.

The very first leader of renewal in the 80s was not known at the time of this report. He handed over to Bro Christopher Emeole around 1991. He later handed over to Bro Stephen Oroke around 1997. During his time, Renewal assumed a better shape, many Prayer Groups were inaugurated. He handed over to Bro Dubem Nwokebelu around 2003. The Bro tried to stabilize things but the spirit of many renewal members were growing cold. Some prayer groups have closed and few were inaugurated. The conference in 2005 at St Augustine Catholic Primary School Ijebu-Ode received mass turn out.

BISHOP
His Lordship Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina was ordained when the Diocese was created about 40 years ago. He was a convert from Muslim Sect and he was chosen to be the Bishop of the Diocese not because he was the oldest priest but because of his rare humility. Very unassuming, no one can know he is a Bishop when he is in midst of the congregation. He is ready to receive and listen to everybody even when there is no pre notice. The humility of Christ in him is rare when compared with Nigerian Bishop.
His relationship with the renewal has been fine and healthy. He never hesitates to give audience whenever we wish to see him. He attends our programmes, conferences, crusade, and revival and will never be in a hurry when he is celebrating mass with us. He likes to give long sermon. Because he wishes all the indigenes in his Diocese to become active Christians, he always emphasizes the need for out-reach into the town where the programme is going on. His love for the Charismatics cannot be over emphasized.

EVENTS
Owing to poor financial stand of the Diocese, there has not been any organized conference or crusade in the Diocese for the past five years, much we can do in annual bases are; Pentecost Rally, Revival, Leaders gathering and get-together.
However, evangelical rallies and crusade by the province are being organized in IJebu-Ode Diocese. The latest of it was 2009 One Week Prayer Evangelism/Crusade with the theme ‘Pulling down the Strongholds of Satan’. During the programme, intercessors visited many towns where strongholds of Satan are located in Ijebu land. This was rounded off with the gathering of all renewal members in the Province at St Anthony’s Nursery and Primary School Ijebu-Ode on Saturday the 17th of October 2009. There was talk and prayer session that night. It was rounded off with Mass. On Sunday closing Mass was said by the Chaplain Rev. Fr. Fred. Akah. Msp. This programme was most attended compared to other programmes in the Diocese since its creation.

CHAPLAIN
The Chaplain of Ijebu-Ode is Rev. Fr Fred Akaah Msp. He took over from Rev. Fr Uche Umechikelu (Msp)
Fr. Akah joined renewal in his seminary days. He has gone far with spiritual development with renewal. In his parish, he organizes adoration programmes monthly. This attracts crowds of people from all religious sects including Muslims. Owing to much schedule of duties, as a parish priest and youth chaplain in Ijebu-Ode diocese, he finds it difficult to attend NST meetings. He is regular in our Diocesan Service Team meeting where he offers us fatherly advice and gives us directives. Owing to some problems with leaders, the fellowship in St Anthony’s Parish his residence has not been operational for some time. We trust in God, believing that it will be organized very soon.

 

SERVICE TEAM