The Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Inland Town, Onitsha, Anambra State, Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Uzondu, has condemned the rising cost of house rents and additional financial demands placed on prospective tenants by some landlords.
Fr. Uzondu made the call during his homily at a Eucharistic Mass at the parish, where 95 children received their First Holy Communion.
The priest expressed concern over the economic hardship confronting families, particularly those struggling to secure decent accommodation, urging landlords to consider the difficulties faced by tenants before increasing rents.
He also criticised the practice of demanding money, popularly referred to as “kola,” from prospective tenants before granting them accommodation.
According to him, Christians and members of society should reciprocate the goodness they have received from God by extending kindness and compassion 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 said.
Fr. Uzondu further reminded the congregation that attending Mass every Sunday, on its own, was not enough to demonstrate Christian commitment.
He encouraged the faithful to develop a personal relationship with God through regular spiritual exercises, forgiveness and acts of kindness.
The priest also urged Christians to forgive those who offend them and shun revenge, stressing that vengeance belonged to God.
The highlight of the celebration was the administration of First Holy Communion on 95 children who had completed their catechetical formation and were considered ready to receive the sacrament.
The catechism instructor, Mrs Egbuna Ifunanya, said the children underwent instruction during the long vacation before being examined and certified by their catechism teachers.
She explained that the training was designed to prepare the candidates spiritually and doctrinally for their admission to deeper participation in the life of the Church.
Parents and guardians of the communicants expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of their children’s catechetical formation.
Some described the occasion as memorable and emotional, saying they were delighted to witness an important milestone in their children’s Christian journey.
They commended the parish priest, catechism instructors, teachers and other members of the parish community for their contributions to the children’s spiritual preparation.
The parents also prayed that the children 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.
