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Individual families in the Catholic Church have been admonished to do everything within their powers to protect and guide the dignity and sanctity of the family, which is the 'domestic' Church.

The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, gave the admonition on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 in his homily at the Dedication of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Ewupe in Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Iyana-Iyesi Deanery.

The Dedication saw the relics of Blessed Aloysius and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi, deposited on the altar of the Church by the Bishop.

The Bishop noted that Blessed Aloysius and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi was the first couple to be beatified by Saint John Paul II on October 21, 2001, during his papacy.

He charged couples to emulate the virtues of Blessed Aloysius and Maria, who he said refused to give up on their marital vows, despite the trouble, tribulations and poverty they encountered as couple .

"Among the joys and anxieties of a normal family, they knew how to live an extraordinarily rich spiritual life. At the centre of their life was the daily Eucharist as well as devotion to the Virgin Mary, to whom they prayed every evening with the Rosary, and consultation with wise spiritual directors".

"In this way, they could accompany their children in vocational discernment, training them to appreciate everything from the roof up', as they often, charmingly, liked to say."

"Saints Aloysius and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi, whose relics were deposited in this altar are the first married couple to be beatified by Pope John Paul ll in the year 2001 and they are Patron Saints of married couples and families which makes this
Church a centre of Pilgrimage for families, especially during this Jubilee Year of Hope. I pray that couples and families that come here for prayers may receive
desired blessings and favours".

The Bishop mandated the Parish Priest and parishioners of Holy Family Catholic Church, Ewupe and those to come after now that they must have special devotion and prayer intention for the Family Life
saying that the family is a sacred institution, precious to the mission of the Church.

He equally formed and inaugurated "Holy Family Society", to champion devotion to the Family Life in the Parish.

Speaking on the spiritual significance of dedicating the Church, Bishop Odetoyinbo said the Church has become a Holy place of encounter between God and His People.

"This dedicated House from today stands as a testament of God's enduring love and faithfulness. It is not just a building anymore but a Temple of God where hearts will be transformed, faith will be deepened, lives will be renewed and hope restored especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope through the celebration of the Sacraments and Liturgical worship".

"Let us therefore from today seek the Lord continually in this Holy House with reverence and utmost regard for this Holy and Sacred Building. The Lord is ever attentive and ready to hear us and welcome us as we entrust all our cares to him".