By Ayodele Popoola

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In a grand celebration resonance with half a century of devoted service to humanity, the Ondo Catholic Diocese has commemorated the 50th Episcopal Anniversary of its  Emeritus Bishop, Most Rev. (Dr.) Francis Folorunsho Alonge with joy and funfare .

As part of the memorable event, the Diocese also organized a three-day celebration to mark the golden jubilee of Alonge’s Episcopal ministry.

The anniversary service held on Saturday, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Akure had in attendance Bishops, Priests, traditional leaders, and other dignitaries within and outside the state.

In his homily, the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo stated that the special mass is to pay homage to a remarkable man whose life has been intertwined with the tapestry of the Catholic Church.

Badejo while acknowledging God’s special grace and blessings over Bishop Alonge, also described him as a good shepherd, adding that through him, the Lord has touched many lives, ministries, and families.

Bishop Badejo added that those whom the celebrant has nurtured in the ways of God would live to remember him, and the church is living to reflect on the wonders that the Lord has done through him,

“Those baba have  taught and guided in the way of God and those whose faith has been nurtured during his ministry would not forget him.

“We thank God for the number of people whom in Bishop Alonge’s priestly ministry you have taught the ways of God, whom he ordained, whom he blessed their marriage, for those whose faith had been nurtured by you and the grace to represent the Church in Ondo Diocese.

“His good expression is an encouragement and affirmation for all of us who are coming behind because he has fought a good fight.” the clergy said.

Badejo called on those in positions of power to emulate the celebrant’s humility and honesty, and to come to repentance to make their life happier in their old age.

In his response, the host Bishop, The Catholic Archbishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Jude Ayodele Arogundade joyfully expressed the rarity of such an occasion, emphasizing the significance of living through and witnessing fifty years of episcopacy.

Arogundade opined that Bishop Alonge has generally served the Diocese of Ondo the state and Nigeria as a shepherd tending the flocks the Lord entrusted him with diligent and great responsibility, even in his retirement.

He described the celebrant as a man ordained by God himself whose exemplary life has also proven it.

Dr Arogundade observed that Alonge’s selfless service to the Diocese would remain an inspiration to all Christians across the nation.

The state Chairman, of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Fr. Anselm Ologunwa acknowledged the celebrant’s tremendous contribution to the growth and development of Christianity in the state and beyond.

Oloogunwa emphasised that Bishop Alonge’s leadership as the former chairman of the association brought peace and progress among Christians and the state in different capacities.

Responding to the eulogies poured on him

Bishop Alonge expressed his profound gratitude to the church for their love during his time in the ministry and after his retirement.