Catholic faithful have been admonished to take life easy because Christ is called the King of Peace and not the King of rice, chickens and clothes. The Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun gave the admonition during the celebration of the last Sunday before Christmas in the parish on Sunday, 22nd December, 2024.

Urging the faithful to borrow a leave from the Gospel of the day on the visitation of Blessed Virgin Mary to her Cousin, Elizabeth, the priest asked: “How many chickens did Mary carry to greet Elizabeth?” Life is more than food. If you have every other thing but no peace, you have nothing. “God is love. He is the Prince of Peace. We really need God to know peace.” Things are tough, we know, but don’t make it tougher for yourselves by worrying too much on food, drinks and clothes at this period of Christmas. “One thing is certain, that amidst the trials, problems, and troubles of this world; it is joy, peace, and salvation that God brings to us through His only Begotten Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Fr. Balogun, who made reference to the happenings around the country in the last half of the month of December in Oyo State, Federal Capital Territory and Anambra State over free food urged parents to take things easy at this festive period. “If you kill yourselves because of children, the children will not kill themselves because of you”. He told the parents.

Rather, the cleric advised all to be people of love and of good character. Appreciate God for the journey of January till December. If you have money, without good character, you have nothing. It is love that is more important. “Therefore, when God is present, inner Peace is automatic! The kind of peace that was experienced in our Gospel reading today (Lk.1:39-45), between Mary and Elizabeth; even the babies in their wombs shared moments of joy (The moment your greetings reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy).”

The world around us, he continued, is already torn apart but God says: “Be calm”. Hence, he urged that people learn to start and finish everything they want to do with God, for we are only celebrating ourselves in Christ, and what will make the happiness full is to share with others. You must allow love, unity and oneness to reign. The glory is coming, the beauty is coming. Let us seek for peace and progress not only for yourself but for all. “God is looking forward to seeing how well our hearts have changed, and how much we have grown in peace and love. The world we live in is torn apart because true love is lacking among us. Where there is no unity, peace will be non-existent! As children of God, true love must be shared among us for the peace of Christ to reign supreme in our lives at Christmas.”

The day’s Mass witnessed several thanksgiving, including that of Mr & Mrs Kenneth Ugwu, who brought their child, little Chigoze Ugwu for thanksgiving, supported by friends, parishioners and well-wishers.

The Parish priest also announced the constitution of Liturgical Music Committee for the Parish. The Committee is to be led by Catechist (Mrs) Elizabeth Ibimiluyi.