By Ononye VC
Like no other day,members of the Catholic Men Organisation(CMO) Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Parish,Onitsha,trooped out en-masse to celebrate the Father’s Day 2024 in grand style on Sunday.
The old and young fathers,their wives and children joined them to add colour and grace to the occassion in what appeared the first of it’s kind in the Basilica.
The fathers adorned their blue-white spotted uniforms in solidarity and uncommon conformity with the order of the day.
Also,the President General of CMO, Archdiocese of Onitsha,Sir Evarist Uba,accompanied by his deputy,the General Secretary of CMO, Archdiocese of Onitsha,Bro Casmir Izukanne and other members of the Archdiocesan executive graced the occassion.
The Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province,Most Reverend Valerian Okeke sent-in his goodwill message as he was represented at the Holy Mass by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese,Very Rev Fr Dr Prudentius Emeka Aroh who concelebrated with the chaplain of the CMO,Basilica Parish,Rev Fr Victor Adibe.
While delivering his homily,Rev Fr Prudentius Aroh said the church appreciates fathers for the much they’ve been doing in defence of the Catholic faith,the church their families and the society in general.
He wished Catholic father’s well and urged them to continue with their solidarity and common front for the good of the church.
According to him, Father’s Day celebration was a time of reflection and soul searching to review the lives of fathers and renew their faith in God.
He spoke about the need for the faithful to understand the reasons and benefits of attending Masses which he enumerated as follows; Adoration, thanksgiving,atonement and petition.
He also enumerated types of Agape love which he pointed out,is not emotional and sentimental otherwise it becomes lust.True Agape love he pointed out involves sacrifice, forgiveness and practicalised into the gifts of time,talent and treasure which must be applied in the service of God and humanity.
At the reception,the Vice Chairman of CMO,Basilica Parish,Bro JoeMary Ozoemena welcomed the President General Sir Evarist Uba and members of his executive for gracing the occassion.He also congratulated members of the CMO,Basilica Parish for turning out en-masse to celebrate the Father’s Day unlike the low turn out witnessed in the past years.
The President General Sir Evarist Uba also congratulated the fathers saying he was encouraged by their large turnout.
Highlight on the occassion are,group photographs march past,football match and entertainment.