The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, in collaboration with Society of St Paul, organized a mega book presentation in Ibadan on 15 February 2018 at Pope John Paul II Centre in the campus of the University of Ibadan. The two titles that were launched on the occasion are: A Catechism on Marriage and Family: The Teachings of the Catholic Church, and A Catechism on Human Life from Conception to Natural Death. The event was graced by seven Bishops of the Province, several distinguished personalities of Ibadan including a traditional king, priests, religious and lay faithful numbering around 1000. The publication of these two titles was the fruit of a Pro-Life Seminar organized at the same venue in 2015 by the Bishops of the region. The Bishops chose ST PAULS Publications as the printer, co-publisher and distributor of these titles respecting our special mission in the church as media personnel.
Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, Archbishop of Ibadan, welcomed the gathering and hoped that these books will cross the boundaries of Nigeria and even that of the African continent as sound catechisis on topics on the sanctity and dignity of human life, the institution of marriage and family. Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of Oyo Diocese, presented a slide show explaining the history of the making of these books. Fr Joe Eruppakkatt, representing ST PAULS Publications, Nigeria, spoke on our charism and mission as media apostles. He said that this is an honour and a moment of blessing for Paulines in Nigeria, to be invited to collaborate with the local church in this important initiative. He appreciated and thanked the Bishops of the region for selecting and appointing us as the printer, co-publisher and distributor of the books. He also hoped that there will be more such opportunities for collaboration with the local church in its pastoral ministry. Rev. Fr Michael Banjo, an expert moral theologian, presented a detailed review of the books. Fr Joe Guzman, the author of the titles proposed the vote of thanks.
As the books were launched and presented, there was a rush from the people to grab their copies and get them autographed by the bishops and other distinguished guests. Our members from the communities of Enugu and Lagos joined the members of the Ibadan community in organizing the event successfully and exhibiting the books.
We congratulate our conferrers in Nigeria for this achievement and their commitment and hard work in carrying out our Apostolate.