The human race has been called upon to eschew envy, jealousy, maliciousness and other vices that promote disunity, as they are urged to come together to foster a common bond of fraternal communion that breeds hope, peace and unity in the world. The charge was given by Rev. Fr. Paul Ariole, during the celebration of his fifth priestly ordination, 25th anniversary of Rev. Sr. Agnes Adepoju and presentation of books, held recently at Catholic Church of the Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to Fr. Ariole, it is high time that people start to understand the beauty of solidarity which cuts across all levels; socially, in the Church, the family, the priesthood, religious life and the universe. On the book, titled, “Building new paths to solidarity”, which he co-authored with Sr. Agnes Adepoju, he said there is a lot of rift among nations, as he advised the peoples to shun personal interests and pay more attention to things that unite them, rather than those that divide them, so as to make the world a better place. On what inspired his book, “A reflection on the Litany of Loreto: Understanding the invocations of the Blessed Virgin Mary”, the ardent devotee of the Blessed Mother said he had to put his thoughts to paper so that many people will be able to come in contact with the writeup, and reverence the Blessed Virgin Mary by giving her devotion that is true to her name.
Expressing delight, and commending the authors, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, testified to the hard work and spiritual nature of the celebrants, applauding the duo for their joint efforts in writing the book. The Archbishop said the book on solidarity will add value to people’s lives, adding that solidarity that is based upon God’s value of unity, friendship and love are values that are needed currently in the world.
On the book on Litany of Loredo, he said it is one that will assist the people in their journey of faith, knowing the role that the Blessed Virgin Mary plays in their lives as Catholics. For her part, Sr. Adepoju said the inspiration of the book she co-athoured with Fr. Ariole came from their working together in various committees in the Archdiocese, adding that it has been a long time coming.
