Chaplain of the International Confederation of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Lagos Central Council (LCC), Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Uche, CM has urged Catholics, Vincentians in particular to anchor their faith in God, and continue to give hope to people, especially their masters in moments of helplessness, amid challenges confronting the country. Fr. Uche gave the charge while making remarks during LCC annual feast day celebration and fundraising for Ozanam House Skills Acquisition Centre, with the theme, “Vincentian Apostolate: Giving hope to the poor”, hosted by Festac Particular Council, recently at St. Cyril Catholic Church, Okota, Lagos.
He said as pilgrims of hope, the Vincentians should emulate their patron saint who was known for working tirelessly helping the poor. According to Fr. Uche, “During the time of our great patron saint, St. Vincent De Paul, the apostle of charity, it was a very difficult time. Our own time is very unique in its way because of the numerous challenges that we face. “We give treasure, time, talents, using all we have to help the poor, to give hope to the poor. And it has not been easy, especially with the economic situation we find ourselves. But the Lord is strengthening our faith, and Vincentians are doing their best in helping the poor, giving them hope. On the skill acquisition centre, he said it is a place people will be trained and empowered in tech knowledge, hair dressing, fashion designing, among other skills.
While delivering the homily at Mass, Very Rev. Fr. Martin Uwakwe, Parish Priest, St. Cyril Catholic Church, reminded the Vincentians that God has given them the grace and tools to heal others, urging them to devote their time to visit the sick, homeless persons, among others experiencing one form of difficulty or the other. According to the priest, “The mandate of Elisha to call on God’s name to heal is now our mandate today.
As the Vincentians of today, God has put into our hands the grace, the tools, to heal others. Devote your time to visit those in distress, just as our functions are directing us to do as the healers of today. He asked the people to inculcate the spirit of gratitude to God, adding that every day of one’s life should be a moment of thanksgiving and gratefulness to God because everything humans receive are gifts from God.
In his address, Vinc. Anthony Esogbunem, LCC President, speaking on the Patton Saint’s words on charity, reminded the people that true service is born of dignifying and empowering love – not pity, as he urged the Vincentians to recommit themselves to this mission, drawing strength from their community and from God’s grace. The event which began with Holy Mass, also had the induction of new members and fundraising for the Ozanam House Skills Acquisition Centre project.
