Bishop Daboh tasks Catholic Men on progressive growth

By Olivia Obijiaku
The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Zaria, Most Revd. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh has lauded members of Catholic Men Organization of Nigeria (CMON) of his diocese for being in existence for ten consecutive years. At the Mass for the tenth anniversary of the group as well as her congress, which took place at Christ the King Catholic Cathedral (CKCC), Sabon Gari Zaria on Sunday, 16th June 2024, the local ordinary also charged them to keep taking positive and steady steps in life.
He said, “Our faith in Christ may start in a very small way, but when we remain in God we grow. A good example is the CMO. The CMO Zaria diocese that is celebrating her tenth anniversary today started in a very humble way. Nobody can stop the seed from growing, provided it is nurtured by the people who know the value of greatness.”
“When Jesus started preaching, Judaism was already strong and the people felt He was wasting His time. They were worshipping god of the mountain, god of the sea, god of the stars, and god of the son. Jesus was more or less like a fool to them. They told His disciples that He was a fool. But Christianity has continued to flourish. In as much as whatever you are doing it good, keep doing it, whether people appreciate it or not. Keep going on.”
Bishop Daboh enlightened them on the place of CMO and CWO as umbrella bodies for men and women in the Church, irrespective of whether one belongs to zumuta maza or zumata mata. He encouraged all the members of CMO to ensure the growth and sustenance of the body.
On his part, the Diocesan President of the body, Sir David Barau revealed how the group began in the diocese in 2012 under the auspices of Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Zaria Diocese when late Dr. John K. Yere was the President of the Laity Council with Rev Fr Emmanuel Ezema as the Chaplain. Chronicling his administration’s achievements so far, Sir Barau mentioned regular bi-monthly meetings, reconciliation of differences, formation of new parish branches, adoption of diocesan bye-law, establishment of strong working relationship with zumuta maza and acquisition of diocesan uniform as their trademarks.