Saint Leo's Catholic Parish Ikeja

Saint Leo's Catholic Parish Ikeja A Community of God's people based in Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria.

SCHEDULE OF MASSES
Sundays:
6:30 AM
8:30 AM
11:00 AM (1st Sunday: Yoruba)
6:30 PM

Weekdays:
6:30 AM
12:30 PM
6:30 PM 2023 MISSION STATEMENT
To Build Courage in the Faithful to Withstand Contemporary Challenges with Faith and Good Works. _ Haggai 2:4; John 16:3; James 2:26.

Daily Meditation: John 19:25-34Behold, your mother. (John 19:27)It’s no accident that we celebrate Mary, Mother of the C...
25/05/2026

Daily Meditation: John 19:25-34
Behold, your mother. (John 19:27)

It’s no accident that we celebrate Mary, Mother of the Church, the very day after Pentecost. And it’s no accident that these two special days mark our shift from the Easter season to Ordinary Time. For the seven weeks of Easter, we followed the apostles as they left the upper room and proclaimed the gospel in Jerusalem and throughout the ancient world. Now, as we return to everyday life, we ourselves take up Jesus’ call to “make disciples” as well (Matthew 28:19).

But the Lord isn’t sending us out alone. Yesterday he gave us his Holy Spirit, and today he gives us his mother, Mary (John 19:27). As Pope Francis wrote, Jesus gave Mary to us “because he did not want us to journey without a mother” (Evangelii Gaudium, 285).

And what a traveling companion Mary is! Her humble openness to the Holy Spirit teaches us to say yes to the Lord—and to each other—as we seek to share the gospel and live together as a Church in a divided world. Her welcome of both lowly shepherds and wealthy Magi at Jesus’ birth urges us to welcome everyone who comes through our doors, no matter their background. Her experience of fleeing to Egypt moves us to show special concern for the poor and outcast. And her faithful vigil at the foot of her son’s cross reveals a radical solidarity with those who come to us as victims of injustice and cruelty. In even the most challenging of circumstances, she offers us her wisdom, faith, and motherly love.

Jesus understands how much we need a mother’s love to help us share the gospel. Only a mother who embraces all of her children equally can teach us to love all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. And only a mother of infinite patience will stay close to us as we experience the ups and downs of building a Church that is open to all.

So today, as you honor Mary, the Mother of the Church, take her as your own mother. Ask her to walk with you. And behold your mother!

“Holy Mary, give me your heart of love!”

Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7

Courtesy: Word Among Us.
https://wau.org/meditations/

FIRST READING‘The offspring of the woman will crush your’A reading from the book of Genesis 3:9-15, 20After Adam had eat...
25/05/2026

FIRST READING
‘The offspring of the woman will crush your’
A reading from the book of Genesis 3:9-15, 20

After Adam had eaten of the tree, the Lord God called him and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me – she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it. “The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will stride at you head, while you strike at his heel.” The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all those who live..

RESPONSORIAL PSALM - Psalm 86 (87)
R/. Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!

On the holy mountain is his city
cherished by the Lord.
The Lord prefers the gates of Zion
to all Jacob’s dwellings. R/.

Of you are told glorious things,
O city of God!
‘Zion shall be called “Mother”
for all shall be her children R/.

R/. Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!

It is he, the Lord Most High,
who gives each his place.
In his register of peoples he writes:
‘These are her children,’
and while they dance they will sing:
‘In you all find their home,’ R/.

Alleluia
Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for from you arose the sun of justice, Christ our God.

GOSPEL
‘Behold your son. Behold your mother.’
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (John 19:25-34)

Stand by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciples there whom he loved, he said to his mother. “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold you mother,” And from that hour the disciples took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head he handed over the spirit. Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for the Sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and them of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Saint Bede the Venerable’s StoryBede the Venerable is one of the few saints honored as such even during his lifetime. Hi...
25/05/2026

Saint Bede the Venerable’s Story
Bede the Venerable is one of the few saints honored as such even during his lifetime. His writings were filled with such faith and learning that even while he was still alive, a Church council ordered them to be read publicly in the churches.

At an early age, Bede was entrusted to the care of the abbot of the Monastery of St. Paul, Jarrow. The happy combination of genius and the instruction of scholarly, saintly monks, produced a saint and an extraordinary scholar, perhaps the most outstanding one of his day. He was deeply versed in all the sciences of his times: natural philosophy, the philosophical principles of Aristotle, astronomy, arithmetic, grammar, ecclesiastical history, the lives of the saints and especially, holy Scripture.

From the time of his ordination to the priesthood at 30—he had been ordained a deacon at 19—till his death, Bede the Venerable was ever occupied with learning, writing, and teaching. Besides the many books that he copied, he composed 45 of his own, including 30 commentaries on books of the Bible.

His Ecclesiastical History of the English People is commonly regarded as of decisive importance in the art and science of writing history. A unique era was coming to an end at the time of Bede’s death: It had fulfilled its purpose of preparing Western Christianity to assimilate the non-Roman barbarian North. Bede recognized the opening to a new day in the life of the Church even as it was happening.

Although eagerly sought by kings and other notables, even Pope Sergius, Bede the Venerable managed to remain in his own monastery until his death. Only once did he leave for a few months in order to teach in the school of the archbishop of York. Bede died in 735 praying his favorite prayer: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As in the beginning, so now, and forever.”

Reflection
Though his History is the greatest legacy Bede the Venerable has left us, his work in all the sciences, especially in Scripture, should not be overlooked. During his last Lent, Bede worked on a translation of the Gospel of Saint John into English, completing it the day he died. But of this work “to break the word to the poor and unlearned” nothing remains today.

Saint Bede the Venerable is the Patron Saint of:
Scholars

Courtesy: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/

24/05/2026

Join your brothers and sisters in the Celebration of the Holy Mass at St. Leo Catholic Church Ikeja, Lagos. We thank The Lord for gathering us in His Love, therefore kindly endeavour to attend Mass in person as viewing online is not the same thing. Thank you!

Daily Meditation: John 21:20-25You follow me. (John 21:22)These words, which the Risen Jesus spoke to Peter, echoed the ...
23/05/2026

Daily Meditation: John 21:20-25
You follow me. (John 21:22)

These words, which the Risen Jesus spoke to Peter, echoed the first time he had called Peter along the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22). It’s a call he likely issued—to all his apostles—over and over, in many different ways, during their time together.

Follow me. The call is simple but not easy. It’s a multifaceted call, which Jesus issues to each one of us.

Follow me. There is comfort in Jesus’ words. He has given us one thing to do: follow him. You don’t have to follow a complicated self-improvement plan or perform flashy deeds. He has called you, just as he called Peter, and now you belong to him. You simply follow Jesus as sheep follow their shepherd.

Follow me. There is challenge in Jesus’ words. In today’s Gospel, Jesus was responding to Peter’s curiosity about what John’s future might hold. But that kind of comparison can get in the way of living the life God has for you. Maybe you wish your life was easier. Maybe you want to get ahead, and the best way to do it seems to be following the world’s advice about success or happiness. But you’re not called to follow someone else’s path. Let Jesus show you where you might be following the wrong leader.

Follow me. There is promise in Jesus’ words. You are following him, which means you are letting him lead you. You can trust that he will lead you along the way that is best for you. You don’t have to figure everything out beforehand, either. Just follow him.

So where are you today? If you’re nursing your ailing grandmother, follow Jesus by treating her with gentle compassion even when it’s hard. If you’re struggling to be content with the life God has given you, follow Jesus by focusing on being faithful to your calling and trusting that he will bless your every effort. If you’re trying to figure out the next steps for your life, follow Jesus by being consistent in prayer and waiting for him to reveal it.

Jesus will always lead you if you take the time to listen for his voice.

“Lord Jesus, I will take your hand and follow you.”

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
Psalm 11:4-5, 7

Courtesy: Word Among Us.
https://wau.org/meditations

23/05/2026

FIRST READING
He lived in Rome, preaching the kingdom of God.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 28:16-20.30-31)

When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him. After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar — though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalms 11:4.5 and 7 (R. 7b)
R/. The upright shall behold your face, O Lord.
or: Alleluia.

The Lord is in his holy temple;
the throne of the Lord is in heaven.
His eyes behold the world;
his gaze probes the children of men. R/.

The Lord inspects the just and the wicked;
the lover of violence he hates.
For the Lord is just and loves deeds of justice;
the upright shall behold his face. R/.

ALLELUIA John 16:7.13
Alleluia. I will send the Spirit of truth to you, says the Lord; he will guide you into all the truth. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“This is the disciple who has written these things, and his testimony is true.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 21:20-25)

At that time: Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Saint Gregory VII’s StoryThe 10th century and the first half of the 11th were dark days for the Church, partly because t...
23/05/2026

Saint Gregory VII’s Story
The 10th century and the first half of the 11th were dark days for the Church, partly because the papacy was the pawn of various Roman families. In 1049, things began to change when Pope Leo IX, a reformer, was elected. He brought a young monk named Hildebrand to Rome as his counselor and special representative on important missions. Hildebrand was to become Gregory VII.

Three evils plagued the Church then: simony–the buying and selling of sacred offices and things; the unlawful marriage of the clergy; and lay investiture—kings and nobles controlling the appointment of Church officials. To all of these Hildebrand directed his reformer’s attention, first as counselor to the popes and later as pope himself.

Gregory VII’s papal letters stress the role of the bishop of Rome as the vicar of Christ and the visible center of unity in the Church. He is well known for his long dispute with Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV over who should control the selection of bishops and abbots.

Gregory VII fiercely resisted any attack on the liberty of the Church. For this he suffered and finally died in exile. He said, “I have loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore, I die in exile.” Thirty years later the Church finally won its struggle against lay investiture. The liturgical feast of Saint Gregory VII is celebrated on May 25.

Reflection
The Gregorian Reform, a milestone in the history of Christ’s Church, was named after this man who tried to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ, and expressed in the bishop of Rome, the successor of Saint Peter.

Daily Meditation: John 21:15-19Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? (John 21:15)That’s quite a probing qu...
22/05/2026

Daily Meditation: John 21:15-19
Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? (John 21:15)

That’s quite a probing question that Jesus asks of Peter. He’s addressing something deep inside his chief apostle, but what exactly, we’re not sure. Is he asking, Do you love me more than you love the other disciples? Or is he talking about Peter’s old life: more than these boats and the life of a fisherman? Or is he reminding Peter about his boasting that he would be more faithful than the others: Do you love me more than these men do?

Whatever the case, this is a convicting yet compassionate moment when Jesus shows Peter the many “loves” within his heart—when what matters most is loving Jesus over and above everything else.

What other “loves” might Jesus help you uncover? Most often, they are not evil. We tend to love mostly good things: our families, the beauty of this created world, the work we do, the ways we have contributed to our communities. But as good as these loves may be, they will not satisfy us. We will always be looking for more. The truth is, we are created to be in a relationship with Jesus. Only he can fill our deepest longing, and loving him puts everything else in its rightful order.

None of us loves Jesus perfectly; it’s a lifelong process. But every day, we can love him a little bit more. As we spend time with him in prayer, we get another taste of his goodness, and our hearts soften. Everything else pales in comparison. We see the many ways he has loved us, even to the point of giving up his life for us. Our desire to love him grows. Sin and selfishness become less attractive, and we find ourselves loving—even if just a bit more—the things that he loves. Over time, we even begin to love him more than the blessings in our lives.

Do you love Jesus more than “these”? He is worthy of your full yes! So let him do for you what he did for Peter. Let him gently reveal your attachments and invite you to surrender them to him. Right now, imagine Jesus standing before you with his loving searching gaze fixed on your heart. How can you reprioritize your other “loves”? What comes to mind? Look into his eyes and surrender it to him.

“Jesus, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Acts 25:13-21
Psalm 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20

Courtesy: Word Among Us.
https://wau.org/meditations/

FIRST READING “Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 25...
22/05/2026

FIRST READING
“Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 25: 13b-21)

In those days: Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix; and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defence concerning the charge laid against him. When therefore they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed; but they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 103:1-2.11-12.19-20ab (R. 19a))
R/. The Lord has fixed his throne in heaven.
Or: Alleluia.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all within me, his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and never forget all his benefits. R/.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so strong his mercy for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far from us does he remove our transgressions. R/.

The Lord has fixed his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom is ruling over all.
Bless the Lord, all you his angels,
mighty in power, fulfilling his word. R/.

ALLELUIA John 14:26
Alleluia. The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Feed my lambs, tend my sheep.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 21: 15-19)

When [Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and] they had finished breakfast, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you fastened your own belt and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will fasten your belt for you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Address

Toyin Street
Ikeja
23401

Opening Hours

Monday 06:00 - 21:00
Tuesday 06:00 - 21:00
Wednesday 06:00 - 21:00
Thursday 06:00 - 21:00
Friday 06:00 - 21:00
Saturday 06:00 - 21:00
Sunday 06:00 - 21:00

Telephone

+2349022860176

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