Fathers Asked To Be Alive To Family Responsibilities

Fathers in the Catholic Church today celebrate their Patron Feast Day, Saint Joseph De Worker.

The day which they use as fathers Sunday was to remind them of their roles in the family and nation building.

In all the churches visited, fathers took the center stage of the mass starting from reading, with special fathers song in conducting the mass.

They were also seen in their uniforms as they thank God for his mercies upon their lives.

In a homily, the Parish Priest, of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Ifitedunu, Reverend Father Venetius Ogbagu said that fathers are the Shepherds in their families, therefore, they must love God, put him first in all they do and take care of their flocks accordingly.

Reverend Father Ogbuagu said that it is the responsibility of the fathers to channel the minds of their wards to Christ, teach them to respect and obey God and keep the teachings of the church.

A Priest in Residence at Saint Joseph the Worker Chaplaincy, UNIZIK Permanent Site, Awka, Reverend Father Jude Banabie, said that fatherhood is a vocation which calls for nurturing and authority as they are Christ in their different homes whom the family look upon for shelter.

He lamented the ugly behavior of some fathers who relinquish their responsibility to their wives, advising that all fathers should live up-to responsibility of a father and encouraged wives to assist them with prayers and as well respect them.

Speaking shortly after the mass, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu said fathers should discharge their duties effectively more especially when it concerns family duties and evaluate, re-examine themselves to know if they are still in the right track.

The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Joseph Ahaneku and the Chairman Catholic Men Organisation of the Chaplaincy, Professor Dennis Aribodo, encouraged fathers to emulate the quality life of Saint Joseph and take care of their families and above all be exemplary in their dealings.

The mass featured special prayers for the fathers and thanksgiving.