“Devotion is a sure act of will by which man promptly devotes himself to divine service.” Saint Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas, the nice Dominican priest and scriptural theologian, described a consecrated individual as one who “simply surrenders himself to the service of God.” Merely put, devotion is basically an act, as a result of it’s one thing a person consciously chooses to do, in whole submission to the desire of God.
Because the starting of time, God in His mercy has used varied divine males to stability humanity, set humanity free, and open their eyes to the sunshine of what it means to be actually human.
In a egocentric and insanely materialistic world the place it’s changing into more and more troublesome to domesticate the advantage of devotion, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo is likely one of the few males who embodies devotion in all its ramifications.
As his sixtieth birthday approaches on January 28, 2024, it’s an applicable time to mirror on the exceptional journey of this esteemed pastor and chief.
Born on January 28, 1964, the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Odetoyinbo's life journey started as a New 12 months's present to the Odetoyinbo household. Below the steerage of his dad and mom, Pa Clement Olarenwaju Odetoyinbo and Mrs Catherine Olaitan Odetoyinbo, he laid the inspiration for a life devoted to religion and repair. His early schooling at St. Michael Catholic Church Faculty, Ibadan paved the best way for a divine calling. Regardless of the preliminary difficulties, gaining admission to the Minor Seminary marked the start of a powerful path to the priesthood.
Bishop Odetoyinbo’s journey continued on the Main Seminary of St. Peter and Paul, Bodija Ibadan, the place he deepened his theological data. He accomplished his research with distinction and was ordained a priest on October 7, 1989 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Ikire.
Firstly of his pastoral mission, Fr. Peter served as an affiliate priest at Holy Cross Catholic Church Ikire and later at St. Theresa's Minor Seminary Oke-Are, his alma mater. His influential position as a trainer of spiritual data left an indelible impression on younger minds. College students affectionately known as him “Man Pito,” reflecting his easy and pleasant demeanor. His efforts prolonged to a number of parishes, together with St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Bashorun and St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. Additional research in Rome and a licentiate in church historical past elevated his experience, making him a revered determine within the Church.
Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged his ardent service and invested Fr. Odetoyinbo as Prelate of Honor on March 22, 2012. As a praying theologian and erudite scholar, he has made important contributions to academia with publications corresponding to “The Historical past of the Church in Yoruba Land” and “The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan 1888 – 2008.” In a big flip of occasions, Bishop Odetoyinbo grew to become the second Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese on April 19, 2012, succeeding Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins. His episcopal motto, “Love and Serve,” encapsulates his dedication to shepherding the flock in Abeokuta.
Bishop Odetoyinbo's multifaceted contributions prolong past pastoral duties. From serving as Vicar Normal to holding educational positions, together with instructing within the SS. Peter and Paul Main Seminary, he has been a number one pressure in each religious and academic fields. Along with his ecclesiastical duties, Bishop Odetoyinbo actively participates in social initiatives. He’s the Chairman of Oke-Are Previous College students Affiliation, Ibadan Department, and Chancellor of 'For His Glory Affiliation'. Proficient in Yoruba, English and Italian, his language expertise mirror his wide-ranging involvement.
His sixtieth birthday takes on much more significance because the bishop reaches this milestone. It’s a testomony to his groundbreaking influence not solely on the diocese however on humanity as an entire. His legacy will undoubtedly encourage and uplift generations to return, strengthening the world and leaving an indelible mark.
Furthermore, Bishop Odetoyinbo's legacy extends to his intensive publications and lectures. From historic investigations to challenges to evangelization, his mental contributions enrich theological discourse inside and past the Church. His involvement in conferences, congresses, synods and retreats underlines his dedication to joint efforts inside the Church. As a delegate at nationwide and worldwide occasions, he stays an influential voice in shaping the route of the Church.
Phrases won’t suffice to pay tribute to the amazingly pious and devoted man that Bishop Odetoyinbo actually is. His each day lifetime of humility, self-denial, renunciation of the world, poverty of spirit, and heavenly affection clearly demonstrates this assertion.
By celebrating his sixtieth birthday, we due to this fact honor a life devoted to religion, scholarship and repair. Might his continued journey be blessed with the grace and achievement which have marked his exceptional years of service to God and humanity.
Ajayi is Chairman of Catholic Media Practitioners of Nigeria in Abeokuta Diocese (CAMPAN)
