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The joy of priests and entire lay faithful of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ilaro, knew no bounds on Sunday, March 2, 2025, as the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo blessed the Parish 'Prayer Garden'.

The Prayer Garden, located in the Church premises comprises of Ave Maria grotto, St. Joseph grotto, a Sanctuary for Mass and 14 stations of the Cross.

In his homily at the Mass that preceded the blessing, Bishop Odetoyinbo to always go to God in prayers, with their worries, anxieties, tribulations, through devotions to Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and the communion of saints.

While advising the faithful to take advantage of the ongoing Jubilee of Hope, as declared by the Holy Father, Pope Francis to put their hope in God, he assured them that God will never disappoint them, adding that there is 'no hopelessness' in God's diary, but fulfillment.

He assured the faithful that despite their tribulations, trials, disappointment, God is always with them.

"Don't give up on yourself. Don't give up in your tribulations and trials, because God is with you. He is always by your side. He is your hope and strength".

"The declaration of the ongoing Jubilee of Hope is a reassurance that God is always with us in all our situations. All we only need is to submit ourselves to Him in entirety and put all our hope in Him".

"As we bless the grotto of Ave Maria and St. Joseph today, always visit the garden with your intentions to seek for their intercession.

He assured that the Blessed Virgin Mary is always with us, accompany her children in their journey of faith.

Bishop Odetoyinbo expressed joy that the parish is growing