I remember with nostalgia the annual celebration of WUCWO (World Union of Catholic Women Organization) around this period. Up until 2019, the WUCWO celebration is always a frenzy. Women all over the Archdiocese look forward to it. In CWONLA, we call it WUCWO WEEK. It starts with a one-day retreat centered round a theme. Usually a priest is invited to speak to a representation of the women who take back all they have learnt to their members. The theme is gotten from the world union meeting. The second day is the Opening Ceremony, (a Sunday) The Archdiocesan Chaplain, Very Rev Fr. Patrick Obayomi, the Dean of Ikeja deanery and parish Priest of St John the Evangelist, after a short prayer, lights the WUCWO torch and hands it over to the Archdiocesan President who in turn raises the torch and announces to the women: “Behold the light of WUCWO, may it be a source of unity, love, friendship and cooperation among all members of the CWO Lagos Archdiocese”.
The congregation shouts a loud AMEN. Then, the choir sings the song: “Send the light, the precious gospel light, let it shine, from shore to shore…send the light, the perfect gospel light, let it shine, forever more” As the choir sings, the executives are called to light their candles, followed by the coordinators, who in turn, pass the light down in an orderly manner to the rest of the congregation. Once everyone has lit from the torch, the Mass begins. A solemn and awesome experience! After the Mass of the opening ceremony, a reception commences and merit awards are presented to deserving CWO members from all the parishes; those who have distinguished themselves in their parishes. Food and drinks are shared and music and dancing go on till evening. The WUCWO WEEK, true to name, is a week-long affair. Every day, the torch moves from one selected deanery to the next alongside our Mother’s statue of good counsel. A mass is held daily amidst pomp and pageantry. This goes on for 7days. The 13th of May, (the first day of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima) is the WUCWO day proper. All over the world, the day is celebrated specially in different ways to commemorate our Lady’s appearance to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. In Lagos, the 13th is celebrated in the CWO ARCHDIOCESAN PRESIDENT’S parish. This affords her the honour of leading the congregation to the altar in prayers and supplication for the well-being of members and their families.
The last day is also specially celebrated. During the mass, just before the consecration, the Archdiocesan executives present gifts in a solemn procession. Each gift is announced and used as a symbol: The Rosary; a clay pot; an altar cloth; a Bible; our husbands; our Children and fruits. We present these to our Mother Mary, asking for blessings for the year. At the end of the Mass, the WUCWO torch is extinguished finally, but the light shines bright and everyone is enjoined to light our candles during prayers with our families. After Mass, also, the Archdiocese presents awards of excellence which is given as a means of raising funds for our numerous programs. The reception is accompanied with music, food and drinks, dance and comedy. At the end of the day, everyone goes home happy. The WUCWO WEEK is one of the most beautiful and rewarding ceremonies of the CWONLA. However, since the beginning of the year 2020, with the coronavirus pandemic, most public activities of the Catholic Church have been suspended. Unexpectedly, our WUCWO WEEK was affected also. All is now on-hold until the virus is arrested, and this could take between one to two years. CWONLA has to look for new and innovative ways to reach out to members so as to maintain the unity, friendship, love and service to one another. Women really need it to thrive. Here are a few suggestions going forward into the new normal which simply means that our lifestyles need to change drastically. 1)There can no longer be large gatherings as the threat of the coronavirus will be around for a long time, we will not stay at home forever. As we make changes in our lives, we must still have a semblance of tradition. 2) Our mode of operations must also change. CWONLA has a huge membership that cuts across age, education and profession and we mingle. We always record a huge number of attendees at every meeting and event.
From now on, only one person per deanery should be mandated to attend events and meetings called by the Archdiocese. The Archdiocesan executives are a representation of each deanery, they should be mandated to attend. 3) The Church will open its doors soon. Halleluya! Focus should be more on community service and worship. No more large gatherings or congregation. Use of the Zoom App for meetings is recommended. All excos should be furnished with the ability to download the application so that monthly meetings can be held. 4) The CWONLA Excos will in turn hold meetings with their deanery excos using the same Zoom App so as to forward the messages from the Archdiocese. This trickles down to the Presidents and her excos and further down to zonal representatives of each community. 5) CWONLA events and masses will take a back seat from now on as only basic Christian communities will gather at a time, with a high level of cleanliness and physical distancing. Not everyone can afford the internet; data fees are high, android phones are expensive and electricity is bucolic. We must strive to reach out to our poor and marginalized members in the grassroots while still obeying the rules to stop the spread of COVID-19. Dear Mothers, let us not relent in our prayers. God knows, God sees, God hears. Our Mother of good counsel has heard us. Come 2021, we shall celebrate WUCWO WEEK together again. Through Mary our Mother, we succeed. Gloria Young is the PRO of the Catholic Women Organization Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese (CWONLA)