The Parish Priest, SS Peter & Paul Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife; Rev. Fr. Peter Adeyemi has encouraged Christians to be good neighbour to one another. He made this admonition on Sunday 6 April while addressing the gathering of the people of God. He recalled that human being unlike God, has the culture of making offenders go through pains even if they may later forgive. He requested them to cultivate an attitude which forgives freely and generously like God.

According to him, no human sin can be surprising to God, however, God does not condemn sinner but sin; because he does not keep record of previous sins. The priest emphasized on how easy it is for many to be judgemental, an attitude resulting to badmouthing, gossiping and fault finding of others which leads to continuous exploration of black spot of others. According to the priest, “we behave like devil when we accuse others rather than examining ourselves.’’ He condemned lackadaisical attitude toward patronage of the sacrament of reconciliation.

Having assured confidence at the confessional, he hardened their heart not to be afraid or embarrassed of going severally to confession. Just as the one who fall sick visits the doctor while sharing very private things with the doctors without being faced with condemnation, so much better it is for the spiritual health at confessional in relation to sin. He considers regular confession as way forward, stressing that it will only take a look into the mirror to identify a sinner that requires forgiveness. Earlier in his address, he emphasized on Catholic liturgical gestures – both the ones performed by the faithful and that of a Priest at Mass. According to him, it shows profound respect for sacred mysteries and the presence of the living God whom faithful gather to worship. The gestures enable the people to participate fully and actively which also expresses devotion and create a sense of unity within the gathered household of faith.