“In all things, Lord, we thank You. For the gift of last Sunday in the year 2024 and that of our families. Family is everything. Your home is everything. No matter how beautiful your house is, if there is no home, it is nonsense.” Those were the opening words of the Parish Priest of St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan, Rev. Fr. Stephen Balogun during the celebration of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the parish on Sunday, 29nd December, 2024.

Fr. Balogun made it clear that everybody has values in the home because everybody is different as designed by God, hence, every person should be appreciated at home.

The priest berated some families that have destroyed individual’s values by forcing their children to act contrary to their values, hence, many children for that reason have left home and have little or no interest in returning home. He therefore, appealed that parents make their homes places everybody would like to return to.

The CAN Coordinator in Ona Ara LGA of Oyo State admonished parents to copy from the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph that was being celebrated, so that their children may continue to go the way of God, whether their parents are with them or not. “Today, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary and Joseph). As humans, we acknowledge the imperfections in our own family life. In our world today, we see the misconduct of some children; and many parents/grandparents are forced to ask: What have we done wrong? And they expect you to listen and not judge.”

The priest further noted that many families are poor but in love, while some families are rich but not united. He appealed that parents train their children to let them understand that money is not everything but relationship. Hence, truthfulness, friendship, love and oneness are very important in the family.

However, since no family is perfect, the cleric said a lot of sacrifices must be endured to have family like that of Holy Family. “In our world today, living in families is so joyful and stressful. It involves sacrifices and endurance. The success of a Christian home depends on how firmly it is founded on Christ the Solid Rock. “A lot has gone wrong! A lot is still going wrong! Respect is thrown into the waste bin, selfishness/greed is enthroned in homes. Gay marriage has become fashionable! Common sense is no longer obviously common!!! What is our world becoming? The Liturgy of the word today (1Sam.1:20-22.24-28; Lk 2:41-52) presents to us the family of Elkanah and Hannah; and Joseph and Mary. These families kept their faith in God and cooperated with His plans for this world. They lived their commitment for God in spite of the trying ordeals of life. You too can be strong amidst your challenges!”

 Many parents today, he added, have no chance for their children. “To have a peaceful and happy home, you must make your home a place of prayer. Trust and obedience must be enthroned in family life. You must all choose to live a life of strength, working and walking together for the progress of each and every member of the family. Learn to appreciate the good in your family and forgive the wrong you feel therein. We all need the grace of God to make it in life!!! Though not easy, but with God it is possible." The priest stated.

The parish priest also appreciated the HCA for their wonderful performance at the liturgy, being the last Sunday of the month.