Nigerian men, Catholics in particular have been urged to take seriously their God given role as the head of the family and fathers to exercise the authority as well as divine mission in establishing functional homes and society. The charge was given by Rev. Fr. Vitalis Chukwudebelu CSSP during the 2023 Fathers’ Day celebration organized by Catholic Men Association, CMO, SS. Mulumba and David Catholic Curch, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, last Sunday in the parish. Fr. Chukwudebelu encouraged the fathers to continue to work hard, as he noted that sometimes fathers may feel that they are not appreciated, he assured them that they are loved and their efforts to cater for the family are valued. He said: “We continue to pray for them. We enjoin them to love their family, to care for them. In times of frustrations, in times of disappointments, may they look unto God and remember the role given to them as fathers.” He urged the fathers to be courageous in all they do and not to allow the situation of things in the country to deter them.
He said: ‘Sometimes, there is a possibility that this situation can frustrate many due to discontentment, but let them remember that God is their courage and they should not forget to go to God for assistance, they should not allow the seed of evil, the seed of discord to come into their life just like we read in the gospel of today. He advised the fathers to spare time for their children from their tight schedule in order to have rapport and paternal connection with their young ones. On the hardship in the land, he said: “The Church is with you. The Church understands your pain. The Church understands the situation, and the Church is praying for you. Remain firm and don’t allow anything to push you to join any organization or group that tends to cause havoc in the nation.
People should be very careful in all that they do. Hon. Fidelis Nnacinya, Chairman, CMO, SS. Mulumba and David Catholic Church, commended the members for their diligence, steadfastness and active participation in the activities of the organisation. Commending the members, especially High Chief Innocent Nwaogwugwu, immediate past Chairman of the parish CMO, he said this year’s Fathers’ Day celebration is so special because of the completion of the renovation of St. Joseph’s Grotto in the parish. He thanked his predecessors, Chief (Dr.) Christian Enwuru and Chief Innocent Nwaogwugwu for laying a solid foundation that has led to the growth and transformation of CMO in the parish. On improvement of spirituality and building institutions, He said: “I am glad to say we now have ardent dedicated members that manage our weekly devotions, pray daily for all members and organize other spiritual activities. One of their achievements is the just concluded nine days novena to St. Joseph.
My dedicated members are the engine room of CMO.” He said like St. Joseph their Patron Saint who accepted the assignment to protect and care for Mother Mary and the infant Jesus, they too whom Christ is their leader, must continue to support the growth of the Church through their services and resources. He thanked Fr. Andrew Edogbo CSSp, the Spiritual Director, as well as other priests and religious in the parish for their support and prayers. Patron Awards were presented to members, including Mr. John Oyigbo, 2nd Vice Chairman and Financial Secretary, Planning Committee. Golden Father awards were presented to Mr. Kenneth Odo, Chairman, Planning Committee; Engr. Brendan Nnadi, Secretary, Planning Committee and Mr. Chigozie Nkwocha, 1st Vice Chairman, Planning Committee and Head, Award Subcommittee.
