V. REV. FR FINTAN DALY, SMA, has been described as a rare gem and true missionary who gave everything for the service of God and humanity.

Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, emeritus of Ibadan, said this at the Archdiocesan celebration organised to mark the 80th birthday of V. Rev. Fr Fintan Daly at St Leo’s, Challenge, Ibadan.

The occasion which was graced by Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo of Oyo, had a large turnout of priests, religious and laity from within and outside Ibadan.

Archbishop Job, who will also be 80 in June, noted that Fr Daly represented the remnant of the history of Catholicism in Ibadan, adding that even though the celebrant  had reached the age of retirement, he refused to retire.

In the face of many   challenges, what had kept a missionary like Fr Daly going these 53 years in Ibadan and still counting, was his humility and obedience, said the emeritus archbishop.

The faithful, priests and laity present, were therefore urged to recognise that they  have also been called to work for God. They were particularly encouraged to give without counting the cost following the example of Fr Daly who gave his entire life and resources for God’s work in Ibadan.

Appealing that the SMA Mother House in Ireland would not soon recall the celebrant and Fr O’Hea, his colleague, but allow their bones to rest in Africa, Archbishop Job urged the SMA confreres, to be like them in their missionary commitment.

-REV. FR FELIX ADEDIGBA