Prince ADEMILUYI

       

St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus worked as a carpenter to cater for the needs of Mother Mary and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

        Speaking on the title, Responsible fatherhood, theme of this year’s Fathers’ Day on Saturday May 2nd, at St Lawrence Catholic Church, Lasokun Rev. Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi described work as a holy thing.

        Quoting St. Benedict who said to work is to play, Fr. Ibimiluyi said we must not live contrary to our faith contending that “your work is your altar”.

Even though no word was ascribed to St. Joseph in the Bible, he was a man of action which they say speaks louder than words.

        St. Joseph was not perfect, the priest said he was faithful, present and obedient to God. Fr. Ibimiluyi noted that these three attributes are needed by a responsible father. Such a father must protect his family spiritually and morally by attending Mass as a family, ensuring that children do not watch morally debased movies and not calling their mother bad names.

        As the spiritual head of the home, the parish priest said the responsible man must live a life of quiet obedience to God.

        A responsible man is the spiritual head of the home and must listen to God just before discussing home issues at the beer parlour.

        Fr. Ibimiluyi charged all men, “Be a Joseph to your family. He was not rich and famous, but he was just.”