Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

A Josephite priest, Rev. Fr. Arnaud Aniou, CSJ has reminded the faithful of the need to cooperate with the Mother Church in order to uphold the unity of the Church. Fr. Aniou, who was the Chief celebrant at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, on Sunday 25th May 2025 said the unity of the Church is very important and should not be restricted to Bishops and Priests alone but that all lay faithful too, must be involved.

In his mathematical term, Fr. Aniou stated that the addition of Love, Holy Spirit and Peace equals to Unity and that it is the responsibility of all to get to the new Jerusalem, adding that the journey of faith is not by rush but little by little.

The homilist, who stated that the theme of the 6th Sunday in Easter prepares the faithful for the reception of the Holy Spirit, however, invited the congregation to meditate on another theme, Peace. He said Christ has promised all His peace, not like the world gives, hence, the upgrading of the commandment of love as read in the previous week, urging that each loves one another like Christ has loved us. He added that this upgrading is very simple because sometimes we are weak and even fail to love ourselves.

The priest further explained that three things could be seen in the day’s gospel; namely, Love, promise of the Holy Spirit and Peace. Love, according to the homilist is not only the absence of war but also the contentment of our hearts in God.

Speaking of peace, the priest said as far as we are looking at the Crucifix, we have peace, the Church has peace and the community of God has peace. He therefore enjoined all to always pray for peace in our homes, Churches and society.

There were series of thanksgivings at the day’s Mass, which included that of birthday thanksgiving by Ameen Lawal, presentation of little Catherine Adewuyi by Adewuyi family and thanksgiving by Mr Aluko Busuyi T. and Corper Okoli Ngozi; who had their investiture as Church warden in the Archdiocese of Ibadan few days ago.