Anthony BAMITEKO

 

The Fourth Sunday of every month is set aside for parishioners of St. Mary Cathedral, to all come together and worship God together, irrespective of language barriers. It's a solemnity day tagged, Unity Sunday. Thereafter the Mass, the three organizations in the Church; Catholic Men Organization, Catholic Women Organization and Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria meet immediately for their meeting.

 

Rev. Fr. Godwin-Mary Njoku, the Chief Celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasakin and Deacon Victor Onwubiko said Pope Francis set apart this Sunday in 2019 to celebrate the Word of God.

 

He explained further that their mission on this Sunday, that coincided with the parish Unity Mass, (thanks be to God all parents and guardians are all present,) is an opportunity to implore every mother and father, not to be an hindrance to any of their children that chooses to serve God whether as a Priest or Rev. Sister. "Support and allow them to answer God's calling."

 

The Chief Celebrant explained further that the seminarians on the altar are all from different backgrounds, different ethnic groups, including the Deacon, but all in unity with Christ and serving God in His vineyard.

 

Rev. Victor Onwubiko, the homilist of the day said “as the Church celebrates the Word of God Sunday today, we are all encouraged to reflect more on the word of God, and applying it in our daily life. Answer Jesus, just as the way his disciples answered his simple invitation 'follow me'. Don't give litany of excuses."

 

The Deacon said if fishermen could answer God's call, and preach the good news of Christ, God will make anyone He calls qualified and give unto the person everything it takes to do the work.

 

Rev. Victor enjoined faithful not to act like politicians in the house of God, by bringing in sentiments and tribal differences. "We are to be united always as Christians. Unity should be our driving force."

 

Just before the final blessing, Rev. Fr. Anthony Fasakin, the Assistant Cathedral Administrator introduced the Chief Celebrant of the Mass, Fr. Godwin-Mary Njoku from the Religious Congregation and implored the faithful not to forget the five key points of Sunday of the Word of God; Own the word of God (Get a Bible), Study the word of God, Celebrate the word of God (Placing it in a good place), Live the word of God and Share the word of God with others.