The menfolk of the Catholic Church have been asked to ensure that they continue to design and talk about, as well as device new and effective ways to achieve the mission of evangelisation, among other needs of the Church. The charge was given by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Onwudiegwu, Parish Priest, St. Theresa Catholic Church, Ifako, Agege, Lagos during the 2024 Father’s Day celebration, by the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the parish, with the theme, “Enhancing spirituality and Christian virtues among Catholic fathers”, held recently at the church.
Fr. Onwudiegwu asked all officers of the parish CMO to take a prayerful decision to discharge all tasks of their offices with a high sense of duty and responsibility, adding that a whole lot depends on their leadership as they commit to designing spiritual programmes for members. Fr. Onwudiegwu urged the leaders to bring men closer to God, and that they should make it a point of duty to lead the men to attend daily Mass, parish programmes, such as Lenten retreat, Advent retreat, Marian devotion in the months of April and October, among others.
He said spirituality and spiritual exercises should begin to occupy the pride of place in the individual lives of men, as well as in their family lives. Also speaking on the occasion, Mr. David Umanah, the CMO Chairman noted the role of fathers which he said cannot be overemphasised as leaders and keepers of the family, as well as ensuring the growth and future of the Church and nation builders. Umanah reminded the men that as Christians, they need to balance their secular lives with spirituality in their earthly sojourn, asking them not to toil like unbelievers who do not regard eternity.
He enjoined all men to emulate St. Joseph in nurturing and caring for their families and leading them in godly ways. For his part, Sir Franklin Ezeji, KSJI, Chairman on the occasion, said Father’s Day is a special annual celebration to honour fathers and father figures, recognising their contributions to their families, Church and society. He said the theme of this year’s celebration gives an insight into how men can be good fathers by drawing closer to God and doing what is right at all times.
Chief Kingsley Eziaghala, Chairman, 2024 Father’s Day Committee message to all men is to keep on moving no matter the condition, adding that God will see them through. He urged the men to ensure they fulfil their duties as fathers and leaders in the family. Sir Dominic Ayalogu, KSM, newly inducted patron, expressed happiness for being recognized and honoured as CMO patron, adding that he is proud to be part of the association. Stating that some men are drifting away from playing roles as fathers, owing to the economic situation of the country, he urged Catholic men to be role models in society, especially to their children, guiding them spiritually and otherwise.
Mr. Marcellinus Irene, one of the awardees said he felt great to receive an Award of Excellence, adding that it’s a great thing to be recognised after serving as the coordinator of an arm in St. Theresa. He urged the men to grow and improve on their spirituality, submit to the will of God, and do that which is required of them as good Catholics.
…Rev. Fr. Martinos enjoins fathers to reflect love
By Paschal Eragbhe-Omole
It was a beehive of activity at St. Denis Catholic Church, Bariga, Lagos, when the parish joined its counterparts to mark the 2024 Father’s Day celebration in style. Parishioners, guests; Christian and non- Christians, the young and elderly alike, trooped into the church in their numbers to be part of the festivity, with the theme, “Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a father, a father’s love is eternal, unconditional, irresponsible” Delivering the homily at Mass, Rev. Fr. Theodore Martinos, the Parish Priest, wished all the fathers a happy Father’s Day celebration, as he admonished them on the vital part of their family responsibilities.
He urged the men to ensure that their love reflects in the life of their children, who should beam in joy knowing they are blessed with good fathers, adding that their wives should be pleased at having been blessed with responsible, hardworking husbands. The host, Mr. Anthony Onwuolingo, Chairman, Catholic Men Organization (CMO), St. Denis Parish, spoke on the event and shared his thoughts on the impressive occasion. He said: “At St Denis Parish, Akoka-Bariga, we the fathers are committed to adding comforts to our family life, by inculcating peace, harmony and good relationship of father, mother and children. “To achieve this, we also need the support and cooperation, commitment of our wives to raise up the children. For this reason, we create mutually beneficial and lasting relationship with our partners in the journey of family growth. “
Therefore, the scope of many at this event reflects the bond we fathers have established with our family’s well-being.” Immediately after the Mass, the train moved to the reception in which parishioners and visitors alike all had a field day. This year’s Father’s Day celebration at the parish kicked off with activities, including morning Mass and charity visit to Modupe Cole Orphanage, Akoka on Wednesday, May 1, being day one. The second day, Thursday May 2, featured visit to the sick and elderly parishioners. There was an evening bond/ fathers’ hangout on Day three, Friday, May 3. While on day four, Saturday May 4, the people were treated to a novelty football match between the parish CMO and St. Augustine, Akoka CMO.
