Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Congregation of St. Joseph (Josephites of Murialdo) celebrated the feast day of her founding father, St. Leonard Murialdo with an appeal that St. Leonard’s passion for the poor and the needy be emulated.

The celebration started with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Koroma, CSJ alongside Rev. Frs. Esau Enger, CSJ; Arnaud Aniou, CSJ; Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ; Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun of St. Anne parish Ogbere and the Vicar for the Religious in the Archdiocese of Ibadan, Very Rev. Fr. Lawrence O. Ogundipe, SDV. Also in attendance were religious from different congregations, seminarians of Josephites Community, Parishioners of St. Anne, Ogbere and other friends of the Congregation.

The Chief celebrant, Fr. Koroma narrated the history of St. Leonard, who was born in a wealthy family in Turin but who decided to become poor by associating with the abandoned young ones in the street after World war and gathering the young ones to care for them.

According to the priest, St. Leonard, who later became a priest, put all he had and efforts begging for help to cater for the poor and the needy after exhausting the family wealth. He passed the fear of God to the youth and this the Josephites have embraced, playing with children and listening to them. “So, we are called to love our youth, care for them and lead them to God. We are called to be to the youth a friend, called to be brothers among the youth and help them to see the face of Christ. Be a father to the children. Our youth are poor and abandoned, they need our support and care. Some of the youth are physically, morally and spiritually poor. We are called to identify these children and not get discouraged with the youth. Some may create challenges but we must act like St. Leonard. Our attitude should be that of Christ to the youth. Our concern should be that of winning them.” Fr. Koroma stated.

The homilist further encouraged the Confreres on the need to persevere insistently by putting aside anger when correcting the youth; do away with hatred and harmful words. He enjoined the Confrere to ask God’s help in humble prayer, have in mind how God loves humanity and the humility of Christ by being born in a Manger. And like the book of Isaiah chapter 5 encourages, the Confreres were encouraged to share what they have and not saying it is too small.

Earlier, the Bursar for the Community, Rev. Fr. Esau Enger, CSJ welcomed all to the feast day celebration and also gave a vote of thanks at the end of the Mass. Guests were treated to a love feast after the Mass with a lot to eat and drink, while members of the Community moved round to ensure everyone was satisfied.