Our Sacred Mission

Bringing Every Soul to the
Gospel of Christ

"Our mission is to bring every human person to obedience of the Gospel and Salvation in Jesus Christ."

Our Lady of Perpetual Light Catholic Chaplaincy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife is a Catholic Parish under the auspices of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Cathedral Interior

Pious Societies &
Devotional Groups

Supporting the spiritual growth of our parishioners through dedicated prayer cycles and community service.

Sacred Heart of Jesus & Immaculate Heart of Mary
Legion of Mary
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Divine Mercy
Companions of Priests and Religious
Mother of Perpetual Help

Structure & Stewardship

There are seven (7) Small Christian Communities in the Parish. They meet fortnightly based on individual community’s schedule. Their revival and effectiveness is being taken seriously through yearly opening Masses and community gatherings.

Community

Mount Zion

Community

Mount Sinai

Community

Bethel

Community

St. Raphael

Community

St. Michael

Community

Shalom

Community

Canaan

The Parish Pastoral Council is Canonically set up as a consultative body to shepherd the flock of Christ. The present Council was Commissioned in January 2019 and comprises 30 members including the priests.

Committees include: Evangelization, Liturgical, Education, Welfare, Marriage and Family Life, Building and Maintenance, Social Communications, Harvest, and Finance.

Current Leadership

  • PPC Chairman Prof. S. S. Ogbogu
  • Vice Chairman Dr. Mrs. M. O. Salami
  • Secretary Mrs. P. A. Okoroafor

Parish Legacy

A Short History of the
Chaplaincy

The roots of Our Lady of Perpetual Light Chaplaincy (OLPLC), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, trace back to 1962 at Ibadan. Originally the "Unife Catholic Church," the community transitioned seamlessly when the university moved to Ile-Ife in 1967.

Papal Knight Professor Gabriel Afolabi Ojo and his wife were foundation members, ensuring the Unife Catholic Community had a robust start. Before moving to Ife, it served as an outstation of Saints Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan.

Place of Worship

When the Catholic Community moved to Ife in 1967, there was no permanent place of worship. Services were held in open spaces, under trees, and even student hostels. Between 1967 and 1980, student and staff priests like Rev Fr Julius Babatunde Adelakun (Emeritus Bishop of Oyo) and others shepherded the flock through these transient spaces.

The Dominican Administration (1980–2008)

In 1980, upon the request of Bishop Adelakun, the Dominicans took over. They devoted their time and treasures to building the chapel, starting in 1982. The congregation began using the uncompleted chapel in 1985. The Dominicans served until 2008, succeeded by diocesan priests including Rev Fr Joseph Ayo Abe, Very Rev Fr Thaddeus Olaolu Ajayi, and our current chaplain. Through the generosity of donors and enlightened parishioners, the chapel reached its present stage.

Present Composition

Today, the people of God in the Chaplaincy comprise various pious societies including the CMO, CWO, NFCS (students), CYON (youth), the Choir, and the Laity Council. We are a thriving community of faith joined in the spirit of service, sharing the word of God through our seven Small Christian Communities.

Current Personnel

Our Clergy & Religious

MA
Rev. Fr. Michael Akinsode

Chaplain

MA
Sr. Mary Abaekere, HHJC

Religious Assistant

AA
Sr. Anne Abioye, HVM

Religious Assistant

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