… Harps on Spirituality, Diligence, Genuine Labour
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu, Blessing Nebo and Deborah Chinyelum
On Thursday, 7th October 2025, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, paid a visit to Loretto Special Science School, Adazi-Nnukwu, for the Young Catholic Students of Nigeria (Y.C.S.N) Awka Diocese Annual Convention.
Delivering a homily at the Holy Mass, Bishop Ezeokafor, who was the Chief Celebrant, encouraged the young people present to be diligent, focused, and punctual in all their activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline and commitment in every aspect of life.
Bishop Ezeokafor highlighted the challenges of being a true Christian, stating that the Christian life involved sacrifice and dedication. He recalled how, in earlier times, pagans were converted along with their children, signifying a true transformation and commitment to the Christian faith. He noted that such conversions were often evidence of sincere evangelism and the fruits of good Christian living.
His Lordship also critiqued the popular saying, “If you can’t beat them, you join them”, warning that that mindset contradicted the principles of authentic Christian witness and moral integrity. He cautioned the Young Catholic Students of Nigeria (Y.C.S.N) to always strive to do what was right and pleasing to God, regardless of prevailing social trends, noting that when bad things were done repeatedly, they eventually became tradition.
Bishop Ezeokafor emphasized that such a mindset was dangerous and warned that wrong did not become right simply because it was popular or widely accepted.
‘What is wrong is wrong, and what is good is good,’ he reiterated.
Bishop Ezeokafor further expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of harmful content on the internet, which, he said, was often supported, knowingly or unknowingly, by some parents.
He urged parents to be more involved in guiding their children and to foster values that aligned with Christian teachings. This was even as he stressed the importance of young Catholic students choosing their life paths wisely. The Bishop encouraged them to live in a manner that was worthy and Godly, reminding them to make the most of their youthful energy and time.
The prelate advised the students to exhibit good behaviour and strong moral character that added value to themselves, urging them to be useful and impactful members of their families, and to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of their communities.
He urged them to carry those values with them, as a compass of life, noting that their role as youth was crucial for the future of both the Church and society at large. Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor reminded the young faithful of their identity in Christ and encouraged them to let Christ define their values and purpose in life.
A formal address of welcome was presented by the Y.C.S.N. President, Comrade Paul Anagbogu Onyebuchi. In his speech, he warmly received Bishop Ezeokafor and acknowledged the presence of all the reverend fathers, guests, and friends of Y.C.S.N.
The President described the Bishop’s presence as not only inspirational but also a testament to his unwavering love and commitment to the moral and holistic development of the youth across the Diocese.
The President expressed deep gratitude to the following individuals and groups for their significant contributions to the success of the convention:
Chaplain Rev. Fr. Henry Uchechukwu Oduenyi and his assistant, Rev. Fr. Cosmos Emengini; Adviser, Sr. Lucina Ezeonwumelu; and all committed teacher coordinators.
He thanked them for what he described as their tireless efforts, unwavering dedication, and the numerous sacrifices they made in support of the students’ growth and the success of the event.
In his closing remarks, the President expressed appreciation to all guests and friends of Y.C.S.N., acknowledging their presence as a strong show of support.
Rev. Fr. Emengini, in his appreciation speech, expressed deep gratitude to His Lordship, Bishop Ezeokafor, for his presence and for leading an exemplary life, which, he said, had continued to inspire the youth.
Fr. Emengini also thanked all the priests, teachers, logistics coordinators, the choir, instrumentalists, and the altar servers, for their vital contributions to the success of the convention.
When interviewed on his reflections, the Students Coordinator, who gave his name as Comrade Gabriel, who is also the Y.C.S.N. Diocesan Coordinator, described the 2025 Annual Convention as one of the most successful in recent years, citing the high level of student participation and engagement.
He described the enormous turnout as a clear indication of the growing interest and commitment among the youth.
Comrade Gabriel further noted that the students were attentive and actively engaged during the sessions, showing strong interest in the lectures and discussions. He said the lessons learned during the convention would positively impact their daily lives and future.
The convention was graced by several key figures and coordinators who played essential roles in its success. In attendance were: Rev. Fr. Henry Udenyi, Principal Chaplain; Rev. Fr. Cosmos Emengini, Assistant Chaplain; Rev. Fr. Michael Udebuani, Provincial Chaplain; Rev. Sr. Lucina Ezeonwumelu, Adviser; Comrade Anagbogu Onyebuchi Paul, Y.C.S.N. Diocesan President; Comrade Gabriel Ogidi, Students Coordinator.
Their collective efforts contributed significantly to the smooth running and meaningful impact of the 2025 Y.C.S.N. Awka Diocesan Annual Convention.