BISHOP JOHN OYEJOLA on 9 December led the faithful of Osogbo diocese to SS Peter and Paul Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife, Osun State for this year's harvest and bazaar.

Most Rev. Oyejola said the harvest was an opportunity to collectively, as one family, show gratitude to God.

He thanked the faithful for their support, noting that all the good things they have done are directly done for God and not humans.

He warned Catholics against idleness and urged them to work intimately with their priests and bishops by using their talents judiciously in various areas towards achieving one single goal of the diocese, which is "the one that knows, loves and worships God in body and soul." 

He discouraged Catholics from seeking ways where there is no way but hold on to their faith since there is no person ever greater than Catholic Mass; hence, desist from allowing pastors to lay hands on them. "Those that fail to know God are far from salvation, it is not a matter of choice," said Bishop Oyejola.

According to him, people lack direction because they run to the wrong person for guidance. Becoming a pastor is more than a few months' course in Bible Study and that is the reason why many are led astray. Rather, Catholics should study and know the Bible through "small Christian community and family-support programmes."

He encouraged them to make massive use of empowerment platforms put up in the parishes and the diocese such as Ss Peter & Paul School of Innovation in Ile-Ife as well as Catering, Carpentry, Farming and other centres in the diocese.

He advised Catholics to desist from activities that can jeopardise the progress of the universal Church such as supporting those who do not want mission schools to be returned to their original owners. He considered such people as greedy, lazy and selfish. He then encouraged Christians to reach out to others by using all they have for the greater glory of God and to make heaven.

Senator and Mrs Babajide Omoworare; Onijabe of Ijabe, Chief (Mrs) Agnes Erogunoye, and Senator Felix Ogunwale were among the dignitaries on the occasion.