Anthony BAMITEKO

 

It was a celebration galore at St. Mary Cathedral on Sixth Sunday of Easter, as Christian Men Organization members marked their Father's Day, and took charge of all the services of liturgical functionaries during the Mass.

The Cathedral Administrator, V. Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode started his homily with a quotable quote that says, "It is easier to raise children with character than to repair youth with a broken life."

The priest said whatever the Church is doing is to compliment parents’ efforts, because the parents are the primary formators for their children’s proper upbringing. "Don't leave your children upbringing to your wife alone. It must be a collective effort."

"Whatever you do when your children are still young is a seed sowing, you will reap it when they've grown up. If you as a father is not present in the life of your children now, you will be a stranger to them in the future. Don't only provide money, make yourself available. Attend their school open day. Know their school. Visit them and most importantly, teach them to know and love God," the homilist admonished.

The priest as well encouraged young couples to key into the lessons in the first reading (Acts 10:34, 37-43). That they should learn from Paul and Barnabas how they reported the situation at Antioch to the elders in Jerusalem. "If you are having misunderstanding in your marriage, make good use of your sponsors, they are your elders. The Church takes them serious. Church can join you together as husband and wife without your parent, but certainly not without sponsors. They have experience. They've been there before you, share your ordeals with them. They won't lead you astray."

Just before the final blessing, the Church’s Education Committee also addressed the congregation not to join the bandwagon that enroll their children for examination in special centers. Parents were encouraged to build children that can defend their credentials and not students that will be expelled from higher institution for low academic performance.