Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta in Ogun state, Rev Dr Peter Odetoyinbo, has called on Catholic faithful to remain hopeful, prayerful and steadfast despite the the economic distress developed and developing countries are going through. Speaking during the pilgrimage/Lenten retreat on Saturday held at St Mary Catholic Church, Ifo deanery at Alaja, Ogun state, the Bishop said that members and non_members of Catholic fold at this point in time should take a stand either for truth with Jesus or for falsehood with the world
According to him, our stand on the side of Jesus and Virgin Mary, shield us from the adverse effects of the depressing world economy and also protect us spiritually and physically. He stressed that the devil should not be welcome in the lives of parishioners and other people all over the world. The retreat, which began on Wednesday, April 2 and ended on Saturday, April 5, at St Mary Catholic Church, featured rosary procession, penitential service, talks, intercessory prayers, holy mass. Free medical outreach and consultations, where those who attended the retreat within and outside Ogun state, were tested free for malaria, blood sugar, blood pressure, urine test, hypertensive management, general body checkup and free eye test. Parishioners of the Catholic church from St Mary St Sylvester, St Stephen, St Theresa. CKC Igbo kun St Patrick, and Church of the Guardian Angel, participated in the retreat.