By Ononye VC
The Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Onitsha,Very Rev Fr Johnbosco Okafor has commended the leadership and entire members of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO),Onitsha Province for their unwavering commitment, sacrifice and work of evangelization in Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province of the mother church inspite of the harsh economic realities in the country.
The Vicar General who is also the chaplain of the CWO, Archdiocese of Onitsha,made the commendation during a mass to open the annual 2024 Onitsha CWO Provincial meeting which was held at the CWO Bethany House Chapel,Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity,Onitsha on Thursday.
According to Fr Johnbosco,the women have remained resolute in their services to the church despite the many challenges facing the country.
The Vicar General pointed out that much of the time and efforts the women were making amounted to evangelization and practical spread of the Gospel which the women have done consistently.
“As mothers,you are in Gospel mission and have a lot to do.To spread the Gospel is not easy and I commend all of you for your missionary endeavors”,fr Johnbosco said.
He emphasised that even as the apostolate of many of the members are not adequately pronounced or visible,that CWO members ensure that bishops,priests and many others working in the vineyard of the Lord do not go hungry due to the commitment and contributions of the women.
In her remarks after the mass,the President of Onitsha Provincial CWO,Dame Monica Onyeali,expressed gratitude to the Archbishop of Onitsha,Most Rev Valerian Okeke through the Vicar General,Fr Johnbosco Okafor,for the warm reception given to the women and the conducive atmosphere provided for the meeting.
Dame Monica assured that the women will continue to remain committed in their various apostolates for the purpose of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ .
According to her,the women will put into use,the admonitions of the Vicar General during his homily and remain steadfast in the spread of Gospel.
Other top officials at the meeting include the host Director General of CWO, Archdiocese of Onitsha,Dame Ngozi Nwanosike,the Provincial Secretary of the CWO,Dr Evelyn Achi,the Onitsha Archdiocesan Secretary,Lady Chika Okpala and other officials from various dioceses.
The Dioceses making up Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province are,Onitsha Archdiocese,Abakaliki,Aguleri,Awka,Awgu,Enugu,Nnewi,Nsukka and Ekwulobia Dioceses.
The mass was concelebrated by the two chaplains of the CWO, Archdiocese of Onitsha namely,the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Onitsha,Very Rev Fr Johnbosco Okafor and Rev Fr Collins Okoye.
The President General of CMO Archdiocese of Onitsha represented by his Secretary,Hon Casmir Izukannne Obiesie and the President of the Onitsha Archdiocesan Laity Council,Engr Leo Obiefuna were also present to welcome the visitors.