Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

Rev. Fr. Vitalis Ikechukwu, CSJ has admonished Catholic faithful to be concerned with their future home, now that they are still alive. The priest said this while celebrating 25th Sunday at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ogbere, Ibadan on Sunday 21st September 2025.

According to the cleric, the readings for the Sunday called Christians’ attention to the need to work for their future home. On how to do this, the priest said it is by using wisdom, the treasure of all time. He added that the art of being wise is the art of securing our future home. He, however, made distinction between the wisdom of the world; which he said accounts and conforms itself to things of the world and wisdom of God, which accounts and conforms itself with the things of heaven.

The priest explained that as Christians’ faces are different, so their needs are different. He condemned the steward in the day’s Gospel reading (Lk 16:1-13) who upon being called to give an account of his stewardship used his common sense, which is of the world to secure his future and rather than making amendment from his wrong, built upon it with more wrongs.

Fr. Vitalis buttressed that the theology of the Church condemns any bad action that yields good outcome; as a wrong cannot build a good. He warned against the use of diplomacy, which he described as another name for dishonesty. “Today we destroy others in a bid to build relationship with people, which is not good. Be holy for your God is holy. As Catholics, you must struggle to be holy. God is absolute truth.”

He enjoined the parishioners to examine their relationship with one another as their character and attitude are Gospel that can make even a Muslim to join them in the parish. “The Church in Ogbere depends on the laity; Stop gossip, be a true model and see everyone as equal.” The priest stated.

The day’s Mass witnessed special birthday thanksgiving for Master Ayodeji Ibimiluyi and Miss Oyin Ajibulu. The celebrants also cut birthday cake after the Mass and gave birthday packages to HCA members in the parish.