A Josephite Priest, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ has admonished Catholic faithful and Christians at large to translate their prayer life into action in order to enjoy the joy of Christianity. The priest made the admonition at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan on Sunday 15th December, 2024 during the celebration of third Sunday of Advent otherwise called ‘Gaudete Sunday or Rejoicing Sunday.’

According to the priest, nobody could express the contagiousness of the joy of the Lord, hence, as the expectation of our deliverance is near, Christians ought to express that joy in the way they relate with other people around them.

Fr. Ikechuwu, who expressed his shock over what some are passing through in the hospitals said “If you can buy few drugs and get well, be happy. For some, ordinary headache, they are gone but it pleased God for us to be alive.” He then asked the question: What shall we do? And like it was read in the Gospel reading of the day (Luke 3: 10-18), the Cleric admonished that all be considerate in life, change their life style and understanding, avoid selfishness and greediness in order to get hold of Christmas joy.

The priest added that though people will hate or criticize them when they (Christians) change their life style, they should not be discouraged like Prophet Zephaniah encouraged in the first reading (Zephaniah 3:14-18a). “If all love you and God rejects you, you’re a failure.” The priest stated.

The Josephite cleric, who condemned the situation in the country added that the problems are not only that of the leaders but also that of the led. He therefore, cautioned Nigerians against killing one another with their mouths, stop cheating through excessive profit in our businesses and let all join hand and change Nigeria by changing our attitude. “For the President to fight politicians around him alone is a problem, talk less of fighting other citizens. Let us join hand and change Nigeria. Change attitude and you will see the difference.”

The Cleric therefore, encouraged all to be ready to share the little they have with those that do not have at all and be super-human to be able to change their life style.

The day’s Mass also witnessed the presentation of little Mitchelle Orji by the family of Mr and Mrs Orji, while the whole parishioners joined the family in thanksgiving.