The National Celebration of the Year of Consecrated Life, 2015 was hosted by the Archdiocese of Ibadan at Ss. Peter and Paul Seminary, bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The programme which was declared by the Holy father,Pope Francis that 2015 is for consecrated persons and is to be celebrated worldwide . The Nigerian consecrated persons rolled out drums in celebration of the year of consecrated life which spanned from July 31 to August 2, brought together delegates of all congregations of consecrated persons in the Archdiocese of Ibadan and other parts of the federation.

Rev. Sr. Florence Nwaonuma, SSH, while delivering her welcome address, thanked all those who graced the celebration and equally espoused all consecrated persons in Nigeria for their togetherness, as they celebrate the year of consecrated life.

‘Wake Up The World’- The theme for this year’s celebration, was also the premise of the welcome address delivered by His Grace Most Rev.Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin; the Archbishop of  the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan.

His Grace being the Chief Host, reiterated that all brethren were called and chosen to go to the world and save souls. He therefore enjoined all brethren to consider their spiritual growth imperative in order to become worthy labourers in the Lord’s harvest.

The Catholic Archbishop also urged brethren to see themselves as agents of change in this sinful world. He reminded everyone that Christ came to the world at an era beset by violence and unrighteousness but left a significant impact which has been permeating the woof and warp of generations after generations.

On the need for community life, the Catholic Archbishop impressed the need for consecrated persons to embrace community life as living in solitary leads to boredom. He further said that living a community life helps in eliciting charity among brethren.

His Grace Most Rev Gabriel Abegunrin chastised the secular activities of certain Christians who have made evangelism a money spinning venture at the detriment of the average Christian who lives in penury. He further urged those in formations and Superiors to kindly pay attention to qualitative formation.

While discussing the challenges faced by apostolates, at a "Red Capet" interview with journalist in Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin urged consecrated persons to seek solace in the quote of St Augustine who encouraged apostolates during his own era to bloom where they were planted.

Among other eminent personalities who graced the second day of the celebration include His Grace Most Rev Alaba Job; Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev Donatus Aimioshion, OSA; CBCN, Chairman Committee For Institutes of Consecrated Life And Society Of  Apostolic Life just to mention a few.

At the final mass, held on Sunday, August 2, the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, His Grace Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin urged all consecrated persons to work collaboratively with the bishops of the their respective dioceses and to always endeavour that that they spread the good news.