By Ononye V C
The CWO Bethany House,Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity,Onitsha,was a beehive of activities as the premier Catholic Women Organisation ( CWO), Archdiocese of Onitsha, celebrated the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary,mother Christ,on Saturday.
The celebration coincided with the 60th anniversary of the formation/existence of the organisation which took it’s root in the Archdiocese of Onitsha 60 years ago from where it spread to other Dioceses in the country and the entire world.
The event which attracted a huge number of Catholic Women across the Archdiocese and other Dioceses across Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province as well as some notable dignitaries,started with a Holy Mass presided over by the Associate Chaplain of the CWO, Archdiocese of Onitsha,Very Rev Fr Collins Okoye, who in his brief sermon,expressed gratitude to God for the successful journey of the CWO as an organisation for 60 years.He also admonished the CWO members to always remain committed in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary whose birthday they were also celebrating.
At the reception,the All Progressives Congress(APC) Anambra gubernatorial aspirant for 2025 election,Sir Paul Chukwuma(KSJI),was the first to storm into the reception hall.He was represented by a retinue of aides led by a former Commissioner in Anambra state Hon Joe Oforkansi and Hon Mrs Anthonia Nneka Bosah.Sir Chukwuma hailed the CWO expressing joy that he was at home with the women having served the church as a seminarian.He congratulated the Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke for his visionary shepherdship of the Archdiocese and his achievements especially in effectively bringing the women together as a formidable group in service of God and humanity.He also commended the chaplains and leadership of the CWO for finding him worthy to celebrate with them.
On his arrival,the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District,Senator (Sir) Victor Umeh OFR,who was accompanied by his wife Prisca,pointed out in his remarks that he has been a long associate and partner of the CWO,not only in the Archdiocese of Onitsha but across other Dioceses.Senator Umeh,a Papal Knight of the church acknowledged that the CWO Archdiocese of Onitsha,as the premier body of the organisation worldwide,has helped tremendously in the growth of the church and helped in giving direction to little children,youths,training of priests and seeing to their welfare which he (Umeh)has contributed unwaveringly.He confessed that he and his wife Prisca,have been standard bearers for the church and that his wife Prisca,being a staunch member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and a Lady Auxiliary of the Knights of St John International,attests to all he claimed.
Senator Umeh felicitated the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke on the 21st anniversary of his incumbency as the Archbishop of Onitsha and his Shanahan University project among other achievements.
In his contribution,the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District,Senator (Dr) Tony Nwoye said he owed a big debt of gratitude to the CWO and the church for their support in his political ambition,pointing out that having devoted his life from childhood as a Marian devotee since his childhood days of Block Rosary Crusade,he has been full of praises to God for lifting him up from his humble background to his present noble position as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In his contribution,the House of Rep member representing Onitsha North and South Federal Constituencies,Hon (Engr)Idu Emeka who was represented,delivered a goodwill Message to the CWO among other dignitaries like the Onitsha North LGA Transition chairman Hon Tony Nwora,Sir Azubike Okafor of Zubee International,Onitsha represented by his wife Stella.
The chaplain of the CWO, Archdiocese of Onitsha who is also the Vicar General of the Archdiocese,Very Rev Fr Johnbosco Okafor,commended and appreciated the CWO members for turning out in large numbers as well as the guests inspite of the harsh realities of the Nigerian economy.He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Archbishop of Onitsha to those who attended the event and contributing generously.
The Director of CWO,Archdiocese of Onitsha,Dame Dr Ngozi Nwanosike,expressed delight that the event was successful beyond what she expected and thanked all who contributed to it’s success.
CWO Directors from other Dioceses namely Lady Sabina Ndigwe(Awka),Lady Felicia Esotu(Nnewi) and Lady Theresa Azodo(Ekwulobia) also graced the ocassion.
One of the early leaders of the CWO,Chief (Dr) Mrs V V I Okoye received accolades for her dogged and positive contributions towards the formation,growth and spread of the CWO across the world.
Highlight on the ocassion was the cutting of Blessed Virgin’s birthday cake,debates,quiz,mock Newscasting, cultural dances,fashion parade and distribution of prizes to winners of the competitions.
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