Yumbe clergy call for reconciliation among families during Christmas

______________

Christians in Yumbe district have been urged to embrace reconciliation and foster peace among themselves during the Christmas season.

The call was made by Fr Archangelo Ayuu, a trainer at Lodonga Catechist School and a tutor at St John Bosco Teacher Training Institute, while delivering the sermon during the first Christmas Day mass on Thursday at Lodonga Minor Basilica in Yumbe district.

Fr Ayuu said Jesus Christ was born to save humanity and promote love among people. He expressed concern that many families are torn apart, with blood relatives no longer speaking to one another over issues that could be resolved through dialogue and reconciliation.

"As we gather here today, in our homes and communities, people don't love themselves. People don't eat together, and it's the main cause of suffering today," he said.

Aerial view of the Christians in Lodonga Minor Basilica during the Christmas prayers. (PHOTO BY ADAM GULE)

He also encouraged Christians to work hard to provide for their families and ensure their children are sent to school.

Similarly, Fr Hillary Kago, a retired principal of St John Bosco Teacher Training Institute and a priest at the Minor Basilica, called on Christians to be joyful as they celebrated the birth of Christ while delivering his sermon during the second Mass.

He said the presence of Jesus Christ among humanity demonstrates the love God has for mankind and urged believers to treat Christmas as a time for forgiveness.

Fr Kago cautioned Christians against irresponsible celebrations during the festive season.

"After here, some people will go to drinking joints and will be carried home because they can't go home on their own. Others have planned to go for discos and do a lot of impunity. This is not the righteous way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ," said Fr Kago.

Rev. Joel Aluma, the Archdeacon of Aringa Archdeaconry, said the birth of Christ symbolises salvation and hope for humanity, calling on believers to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

“Christmas is about salvation, reconciliation and love. It is a time for families to come together in unity, forgive one another and thank God for the gift of life,” he said.

Rev Aluma encouraged Christians to avoid actions that may lead to conflict, stressing that peace within families and communities represents the true spirit of the season.

He also called on believers to share the day with the poor and people of other denominations as a sign of love and solidarity.