St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Airport Ibadan

12/06/2026

03/06/2026

SAINT CHARLES LWANGA AND HIS COMPANIONS

Dear Jesus, Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions were the first twenty-two black martyrs of Uganda, Africa (martyred on June 3, 1886). Many of them had been baptized only a short time before risking their lives in faithfulness to You. We ask them to pray for an increase in our loyalty to You, our Savior. Inspire us to live the Christian Faith no matter what obstacles confront us nor who opposes us. Though it’s tempting to be satisfied with a comfortable prayer life, going to church on Sundays, and doing little more than that, help us to be willing to take risks for Your kingdom, because we love You so deeply.

Saint Charles Lwanga and companions, pray for us.

Amen 🙏🏽

24/05/2026

Happy Pentecost Sunday/Cultural day from this side.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us and direct our lives.

15/05/2026

THE ORIGIN OF NOVENA PRAYERS

Have you ever wondered the origin of Novena Prayer ? This post provides some insight into the origin of Novena Prayers especially as we have it in the Catholic Church today.

A Novena is a nine-day period of devotional prayer in the Catholic tradition. It involves praying specific prayers or readings for a particular intention, seeking God's blessings and intercession of the saints. The practice often reflects waiting, preparation, and a deepening of faith

The origin of Novenas in the Catholic Church goes back to the early Christians waiting in Jerusalem for the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. For nine days, the disciples together with Mary the mother of Jesus gathered in prayer and anticipation. This period of waiting set the stage for the Novena tradition.

It was not until the 4th century AD that Saint Ambrose formalized Novena prayers. He encouraged believers to pray for nine days before the Feast of the Epiphany. His influence played a significant role in shaping the structure of Novenas as we have it today.

Throughout history, stories of answered prayers and miraculous events linked to Novena devotions have inspired countless believers. These testimonies underscore the faith and trust that believers place in God's intercession through Novenas.

Today, Novenas remain a cherished tradition in the Catholic Church. These nine-day periods of focused prayer allow us to lift our intentions, hopes, and supplications to God, seeking His guidance, blessings, and intercession through the intercession of saints and Mary.

13/05/2026

Our Lady of Fatima... Pray for us 🙏🏽

07/05/2026

50th birthday thanksgiving of Rev. Fr. Patrick Odediran.

06/05/2026

SAINT OF THE DAY... 6th May

*SAINT OF THE DAY*
*St. Dominic Savio*
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St. Dominic Savio was born on April 2, 1842, in Riva, Italy, to a blacksmith father and a seamstress mother. Growing up in a deeply Catholic household, Dominic showed a strong devotion to God and the Church from an early age. He was known for his religious practices, such as saying grace before meals and encouraging his friends to pray.

Dominic was bright and eager to learn. He became an altar boy, attended daily Mass, and received his first communion at the young age of seven, a special exception granted because of his extraordinary faith. On that day, he vowed to regularly participate in confession, receive communion frequently, and honor Sundays and holy days, dedicating himself to Jesus and Mary.

Despite having to walk three miles to school, Dominic approached his education with a positive attitude. His honesty was clear when he took the blame for something he didn't do, following Jesus' example. Recognizing his intellectual and spiritual potential, Dominic was introduced to Father John Bosco.

Impressed by Dominic's understanding of faith, Father Bosco invited him to study at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Turin. Under Father Bosco's mentorship, Dominic excelled in his studies and kept a cheerful demeanor. Father Bosco advised him to focus on being dedicated and joyful rather than engaging in harsh physical penances. Unfortunately, despite his exemplary life, Dominic's health deteriorated, and he passed away at the tender age of 14.

Father Bosco was deeply moved by Dominic's holiness and wrote "The Life of Dominic Savio." Dominic's virtuous life led to efforts for his canonization, which was achieved when Pope Pius XII declared him a saint in 1954. St. Dominic Savio is now the patron saint of choirboys, those who are falsely accused, and juvenile delinquents, and his feast day is celebrated on May 6. His life remains a source of inspiration for young people, encouraging them to live faithfully and devotedly.

*St. Dominic Savio, Pray for Us.🙏*

03/05/2026

🍾🥂🎂🎉🥳
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rev. Fr. Patrick O. Odediran.