The first communal Mass of the 2026/2027 Academic Session was held today at the Chapel of Mary, Mother of the Church, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, marking the beginning of a new academic session and a new month with prayer, reflection and renewed spiritual commitment.

The Mass, dedicated to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, provided members of the University community with an opportunity to seek God’s guidance and entrust the new academic session into His hands.

In his homily, the University Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Andrew Toye reflected on the significance of the Holy Rosary, describing it as a spiritual weapon in the hands of believers. He encouraged the University community to embrace the new month and academic session as an opportunity for a new beginning, renewed faith and spiritual growth.

According to him, the Holy Rosary is a compendium of the Word of God, as its mysteries lead believers through key events in the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasised that the Rosary is Christ-centred and offers an avenue for deepening one's relationship with God through prayer and meditation.

The Chaplain further described the Rosary as an instruction for social transformation, noting that its prayer can help believers cultivate virtues and translate their faith into positive actions within society. He also explained that praying the Rosary helps to recharge one's spiritual energy and creates an opportunity to connect more deeply with God.

Rev. Fr. Toye clarified that devotion to Mary does not replace Jesus Christ, stressing that Mary always directs believers to her Son, Jesus. He therefore encouraged members of the University community to approach the Rosary with faith and understanding, recognising it as a means of drawing closer to Christ.

The new month and new academic session thus begin with a renewed call to prayer, reflection and a deeper walk with Christ.