By Selby Makgotho – The vicar-general of Polokwane diocese has asked Catholics to use the celebration of the birth of Jesus to reach out to the needy, poor and vulnerable.
In a homily, Fr Clemens Selemela, parish priest of Sacred Heart cathedral, said: “Christmas is the time of giving. Some of you have clothes that no longer fit in your wardrobes. Some of you have extra food you throw away. Why don’t you think of the nearby poor person first?”
Referring to the Gospel of Matthew, Fr Selemela suggested that Christian communities in the diocese think deeply about the difference they could make if they helped meet the needs of the poor.
“Look around at your neighbour and think of something positive you could do for him or her,” he urged.
The Journey is Just Beginning
The Mass also saw 70 children receiving their First Communion.
Fr Selemela told the children and their parents: “The journey does not end here. This is just the beginning.”
He said the First Communicants had been prepared by committed catechists.
“We are reminded that the journey we are starting with these children is a spiritual one. We need to nurture, support and guide them,” Fr Selemela said.
“Christianity is being attacked on all fronts. We need strong and convinced Christians who will defend the Catholic faith. We cannot have our children being led astray by secularism and materialism.”
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