Priest condemns High Cost of Rent as 95 Children Receive First Holy Communion.
By Osegbue Patricia
The Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Inland Town, Onitsha, Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Uzondu, has condemned the increasing cost of house rent and other demands being imposed on tenants by some landlords, urging them to show compassion and give back to society.
Fr. Uzondu made the call on Sunday during his homily at the Eucharistic Mass held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Inland Town, Onitsha, where 95 children received their First Holy Communion.
The priest expressed concern over the hardship being experienced by many families, particularly those struggling to secure decent accommodation, and frowned at landlords who continuously increase house rents without considering the economic difficulties confronting the people.
He also criticised the practice of demanding money in the form of “kola” from prospective tenants before granting them accommodation, describing such actions as unfair and insensitive.
According to him, people should remember the goodness God has shown them and extend the same goodness to others.
“The goodness God has shown you, try and show it to others. Give people the opportunity to testify to your goodness to them,” he admonished.
The priest further reminded the congregation that attending Mass every Sunday alone was not enough to make one a good Christian, stressing the importance of regular spiritual exercises and personal commitment to God.
He urged Christians to cultivate personal devotion, forgive those who offend them and avoid revenge, reminding them that vengeance belonged to God.
The highlight of the Eucharistic celebration was the reception of First Holy Communion by 95 children who had undergone catechetical instructions in preparation for the sacrament.
Speaking on the preparation of the children, the catechism instructor, Mrs Egbuna Ifunanya explained that the candidates were taught during the long vacation and were duly examined and certified by their catechism teachers before being presented for the sacrament.
The First Holy Communion marked an important milestone in the spiritual lives of the children as they formally took a deeper step in their participation in the life of the Church.
Speaking with some Parents and guardians of the communicants by the information officer, they expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of their children's catechetical formation and their admission to First Holy Communion.
Some of the parents described the occasion as a memorable and emotional moment, saying they were happy to witness their children attain an important stage in their Christian journey.
They appreciated the parish priest, catechism instructors, teachers and other members of the parish community who contributed to the children's spiritual preparation.
The parents also thanked God for granting the children the grace, strength and opportunity to receive the sacrament, while praying that they would continue to grow in faith, wisdom and good character.
The celebration ended with prayers and thanksgiving, as families and parishioners rejoiced with the 95 newly admitted communicants and encouraged them to remain committed to their Christian faith.
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