The atmosphere in Festac community, and its environs were enveloped in festivity last Sunday, when the Catholic Women Organisation Lagos Archdiocese (CWONLA), Festac Deanery celebrated its 2024 Cultural Day in grand style at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Amuwo, Odofin, Lagos. The event which began with Mass, concelebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Melvis Mayaki, the Dean and other priests of the Deanery saw an array of beautifully clothed women from the 12 parishes in Festac, displaying vibrantly different cultural regalia among other cuisines of African countries and cultures they represented.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Mayaki said the event aims to unify the women of the deanery through healthy competition, as well as help them to commit themselves to the beautiful African culture. He noted that it was a day to celebrate the gift of womanhood, of their femininity, their culture and faith in God which is expressed in oneness, adding that it is an opportunity for them to also unwind and celebrate notwithstanding the of challenges of the time The Dean asked the women not to give up, but to emulate the Blessed Mother who in spite of her sorrows continued to serve God, urging them to hold their heads high and do their best to cushion the effects of the challenges in the country.
Fr. Fidelis Okpanachi, CSsR, the host Parish Priest expressed happiness at the fact that his parish was chosen for them to host the event this year, as he described it as a beautiful experience which he is relishing for the first time. He commended their synergy, and team work, urging the women to continue to work together to keep the team spirit, and emulate Mother Mary, their patroness. Sr. Josephine Odorwiike, the Sister Adviser said the Cultural Day is dedicated to recognising and honouring the rich cultural heritage of our country as well as promoting our oneness, values, history and togetherness despite our challenges.
Commending Mrs. Eloka, the Coordinator, she said the deanery chose to diversify this year by showcasing various African cultures, including Mali, South Africa, Namibia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Togo, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria (Ibibio and Kalabari), among others in the bid to identify, promote unity, diversity, as well as educate the guests about the peculiarities of the countries and beauty of the African heritage while also displaying the continent’s vibrant traditions. . She commended each of the group’s effort in bringing the rich culture of African countries and their delicacies to Festac Deanery.
Mrs. Bernadine Eloka, the Co-ordinator said Festac Deanery activities and events are guided by Our Lady’s instruction in Jn 2:5, to do whatever Jesus Christ tells you to do, as well as the instruction in Mark 6:34; to be compassionate. She disclosed that it is on this premise that the CWONLAFED established its Product Centre, where different food products are packaged, and members from different parishes are employed, to enable them work and earn a living as St. Paul advised in 2 Thessalonians 3:10. The day also witnessed the launch of the CWONLA, Festac Deanery coaster bus, to aid the women’s mobility in their various mission activities within and outside the Archdiocese.
