By Nna Anulumadu
The auxiliary bishop of Onitsha, His Lordship, the Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, on Thursday charged religious men and women to remain committed to their call notwithstanding earthly challenges and other difficulties in missionary work.
The prelate gave the advice while delivering a homily during an event to commemorate the world day for consecrated men and women.
According to him, answering a call of religious vocation is not an easy task, but through seeking God’s grace every time, the challenges on the way can be surmounted. He made it clear that the work and sacrifices the religious are putting in are most times hidden, yet the good Lord who called them to serve in His vineyard is taking record of such untold selfless services. Isizoh therefore urged them not to relent in doing the good works whether noticed or unnoticed.
The bishop also explained that putting on a ‘hard’ face or appearing too mean every time is not a sign of holiness, stating that the need to be cheerful is sacrosanct since smiling faces can influence the work of evangelism greatly. He further enjoined the religious to always strive to be holy and make heaven their target.
The president of consecrated men and women of the Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Br Goodnews Iwuoha, who spoke at the event, thanked the bishop for gracing the event. He also enjoined fellow religious to put the teachings of the prelate into practice.
A participant, Rev. Sr Maria Aturuchi Nwagbara, daughter of Mary, who spoke to Trinitas, said she was elated to be part of the occasion and described the event as a kind of get-together for the consecrated men and women where they rub minds, interact and have a good time. She also thanked God for calling her to serve in His vinyard as a reverend sister, disclosing that she is happy with the vocation notwithstanding the challenges. She advised fellow religious to always see the vocation as a sacrifice and embrace whatever comes their way with joy and faith. She added that they should make good legacies that they would be remembered for, by transforming the world through their lifestyle and good works.
