The largest parish of the Catholic diocese of Banjul has again celebrated their parish feast, bringing Catholics and other Christians together at the St. Therese’s Lower Basic School in Kanifing.

In a well attended mass, Rev. Fr. David J. Jarju said if he asked for who celebrated last year’s Mass, many may have forgotten. But not what he was about to say.

“The Word of God comes with a purpose. It makes us change for the better; God’s messengers had messages for us. It can be fulfilled or not,” Rev. Fr. Jarju told the congregation.

He further said that if the military goes to pick you up they must bring you.

Father Jarju said the apostles thought Jesus was a political leader, so some craved for posts such as the post of Finance Minister.

But Jesus was not a political leader, he said, adding that His apostles put up childlike attitude and followed His teachings and advice.

“Teachers, elders and parents decide for children,” Fr. Jarju emphasised, saying children are honest as they tell the truth as they see it.

He said elders tell lies to say the truth. “If we are like children, our country will be a paradise,” he said.

Fr. Jarju further said: “This is Ramadan. One day I was going to Faraba and I intended to pass through Westfield. I could not pass because people were running to return home from their jobs. We work less and we want more pay.

Children are ready to serve others; we are all called to serve.

“We must be innocent, we must serve. We ask God for our heaven to begin on earth and end in heaven. Like St. Therese.”

The mass was attended by several priests, religious leaders, dignitaries and well wishers.

A child was presented by a Nigerian couple as offertory gift.

The Blessed Sacrament choir, St. Therese Senior and Junior choirs, and St. Cecilia’s choir sang at the mass.

Fr Peter Gomis, Parish Priest and vicar general, gave the vote of thanks.