Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

A Josephite Cleric, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ has described Christmas as celebration of mystery of mysteries, considering the fact that God allowed Himself, abandoned His divinity and came to be born for us so that we can live in Him for life. Fr. Vitalis stated this in his homily on Christmas day at St Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan.

The Chief Celebrant of the day’s Mass was also a Josephite, by name; Rev. Fr. Innocent Izuchukwu Ndubueze, CSJ with Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun concelebrating.

Fr. Vitalis in his reflection added that God accommodated the incarnation of Christ because of Christ’s humility, love and sacrifice for humanity. People, according to the priest thought Christ would come in convoy of soldiers but rather Christ borrowed the womb of a woman and a borrowed manger to come to the world, hence, we are celebrating both Christ and His mother, who raised the level of womanhood to the highest level.

The homilist enjoined the congregation to ponder on how they comprehend the state of their lives; how they understand or see themselves; how many times they have shown a sign of humility to their fellow brothers and sisters; how many times they have shared what they have with others like Mary that brought a child and gave Him to the whole world; how many poor people they have visited with a token or prayed for.

He admonished all never to think that when they can give is when they have in abundant but look and emulate the example of Mary and Christ that teaches us power of sacrifice; for the little they give will eventually open door of more blessings.

Earlier during the Christmas Vigil celebration, the Parish Priest, Fr. Balogun has emphasized too, that Jesus being born in a manger teaches us humility. He urged the parishioners to let Christ’s love radiate and be ready to offer Christ something in return. “Life is more than food and drinks. The real celebration is your hearts.” Fr. Balogun stated.

The Parish Priest also appreciated the Josephite Priests and Seminarians; as well as Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, Ogbere Community, for celebrating the season with the parishioners.

There was also a general thanksgiving in appreciation of God’s goodness and blessing, especially, for the grace of witnessing another Christmas season.