By ENNIO KUBLE of WRight Media in Simbu
GOOD parental responsibilities in molding strong Christian families have been the theme of the homily preached by Fr. Michael Wiame during the St Joseph’s festive day last Sunday.
Fr Michael Wiame of Kundiawa Diocese was delivering his homily at St Joseph Catholic Church, an outstation of the Dirima three-in-one parish in Gumine district of Simbu province.
In a packed church attended by Catholic faithful coming from Dirima, Nondri and Yuri, Fr Wiame challenged especially fathers to live a life of St Joseph, the husband of Mary who is the mother of Jesus.
“St Joseph caters for the basic needs of baby Jesus and Mary. St Joseph provides food, shelter, protection and ensures Jesus is always happy from the strong bondage formed around family values,” he said.
On social obligation Fr Wiame alluded that sharing of responsibilities among family members is equally important to build a close knitted family, praying together, sharing of resources, and importantly passing on Christian values and principles to the children.
In light of the Corona virus pandemic parents, especially fathers have to provide strong leadership in protecting their families from becoming sick with the virus and also other diseases, he added.
Parents should stay away from gambling places, avoid social gatherings, and coach their children to prevent themselves from contracting diseases and also being influenced by bad attitudes, he said.
Fr Wiame, a Diocesan priest administers Yomba Parish in Kundiawa-Gembogl district, he is the chairman of the Catholic Education board, and also teaches at Good Shepherd College, a preparatory school for young men wanting to become priests.
The St Joseph’s festive day celebrations mass saw 14 children being baptized, eight believers received first Holy Communion and three couples received the sacrament of matrimony.
The sacraments were administered by the three-in-one parish priest Fr Peter Kim and were applauded by the greater congregation during the succession of one sacrament to the other.
After the end of the Holy Mass the congregation had a feast of local food to end the celebrations.