Dreams remain dreams until they become reality. Sunday, 3rd November 2024 is indeed dream comes true for the parishioners of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Elewuro, Akobo, an outstation of Holy Family Parish, Yawiri, Akobo, as they celebrated Harvest Mass at their recently acquired permanent site.

The outstation that has been in existence since 2015 and domicile in the house of Catechist Patrick Jimoh. The acquired landed property which had some blocks of classroom on it informed the desire and the decision to celebrate this year’s harvest of the station on the site. This was possible as a block of classroom was renovated to serve as a place of worship for the Catholics (parishioners and yet to be parishioners) in the community and neighboring environment.

The Harvest Mass was celebrated by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Omolade. He congratulated the entire parishioners of Holy Family, Yawiri and especially for their dream coming true. This is because concerted efforts had been made in the past to secure a permanent place of worship for the outstation, but with the grace of God, it was possible at this time, though least expected due to economic constraint and hardship in the land. In all, praise and glory is given to God almighty that turned their dream into a reality.

In his homily which centered on the need to hear, listen and keep the command to Love God and their neighbors. The priest emphasized the importance of the love of God in the community and particularly among Christians who have been showed love by God himself. Pointing to the Gospel of the day from St Mark, Chapter 12 verses 24-38, he said the response of Jesus to the question of the Scribe on the greatest command became synthesis of the whole commandment which is based on the love of God and the love of neighbors (MK. 12:) on which the rest of the commandments rest. 

Like Moses in the First reading (Deut.6:2-6), the preacher encouraged parishioners to always hear the command of God. They are not only to hear the command; but to keep it by putting it into concrete practice in their day to day life. The homilist also pointed out that keeping the commandment of God brings blessings in different forms to those who would obey the commandment given by God. He affirmed that living out the commandment of Love of God is realized by loving one’s neighbor and those we daily come in contact with. This is to confirm the message of St. John that we cannot claim to love God when we hate our neighbor (1 Jn. 4: 2). Thus, love of our neighbor is the expression of our love for God. He therefore called on the parishioners to relate well with one another as a way of expressing their love for God. 

The Priest enumerated some of the blessings to enjoy by keeping the command to love God and neighbor, which includes: Long life, growth and prosperity. These blessings are endowed to those who would hear, keep and act on the commandment. The priest enjoined the congregation to examine their attitude to this command to love by asking them: How far have you gone in keeping the commandment?  

Fr. Omolade further said that one of the ways to prove our love for God is to ensure that we fulfill the purpose for which we are made as taught by the Church: To know, to love and to serve God. Consequently, every individual must be determined about their desire to love.

Being their harvest day, Fr. Omolade encouraged the members to always engage in the spirit of giving because it is in giving that we receive. He pointed out that when you give out of the little you think you have you stand to get more in return. He then encouraged those present at the Mass to give generously and cheerfully for the praise of God and blessing received. 

The Harvest Mass at the permanent site was witnessed by the members from the Main Station, Holy Family, Yawiri led by Mr. Boniface Ugwu and other members of the Parish Pastoral & Laity Councils, friends and well-wishers.  

Before the close of the Mass, the Parish Priest thanked all parishioners for their contributions in making the acquisition of the land possible. He thanked also the family of Catechist Patrick Jimoh for hosting the outstation for many Years. He thanked the Parish Building Committee for the effort to make that day a reality. He prayed God to bless them all. He further prayed for the repose of the soul of Lady Patricia Jimoh whose first request from him at his assumption of office in the parish was “Father, you must help us get a land for the outstation before you leave our parish”. 

At the end of the Mass, there was entertainment.