By Michael Nnebife and Ebube Edieh
It was pomp and ceremony as members of the Catholic Women’s Organization, CWO, Diocese of Awka, converged in Awka, Anambra State Capital, on Saturday, 18th November, to honour no fewer than 187 members who had attained a glorious age of 80 and above.
The epoch-making event which took place at Cana House Complex, also offered the CWO an opportunity to thank God for blessing the celebrants with longevity and to launch their Prayer Manual which was the first of its kind in Onitsha Province.
The presence of who’s who in the diocese and beyond, including the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor; a former Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha, who was the mother of the day; Dr Eric Okoye of JUHEL Nigeria Limited, who was the distinguished guest of honour; the Chief Chaplain, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Rev Fr Prof Jude Ezeanokwasa; the President, Laity Council, Hon Joseph Igwebuike; the President, Catholic Men’s Organization, Comrade Joseph Onuegbu, among others, graced the event.
Blessing and decorating the celebrants, Bishop Ezeokafor congratulated them and appreciated the CWO for coming up with the event.
The prelate who was unequivocal in advocating what he called befitting living against befitting burial, urged people to celebrate their mothers and loved ones while alive.
In a homily during the Holy Mass heralding the event, Most Rev Ezeokafor, represented by his Secretary, Rev Fr Evaristus Ifeanacho, described the occasion as great rejoicing in the Lord.
He reminded the CWO members, of the need for perseverance in prayer and doing good to others so that on the last day, they would be part of eternal celebration.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Barr Uchenna Okonkwo-Okom, said the event was a thing of joy and applauded the CWO.
He further eulogized them for coming up with the prayer manual, emphasizing the importance of prayer and catechism in the Catholic faith.
In an interview with Fides, the Chaplain, CWO, Awka Diocese, Rev Fr Jonas Unegbu, highlighted the spiritual importance of the occasion in the lives of the celebrants and admonished the entire young CWO members to emulate the good virtues of the celebrants so as to attain the golden age of 80 and be celebrated.
Also, the Sister Adviser, CWO, Awka Diocese, Rev Sr Dr Obichukwu Anara, described the occasion, as a memorable one, which was not only a celebration of life, hard work, dedication and commitment of the celebrants in serving God and the CWO in the diocese, but also a morale booster for the young members for the heavenly race.
To the Secretary, CWO, Awka Diocese, Mrs Bernadine Anagor, the occasion would attract more years with good health to the celebrants.
Presenting an address of welcome, the Director, CWO, Awka Diocese, Lady Sabina Ndigwe, whose joy seemed overwhelming, thanked God for blessing the celebrants with what she described as an enviable longevity.
The director announced the exemption of the celebrants from all forms of dues for CWO activities in all the parishes.
In interviews with Fides, some of the celebrants, who include Lady Monica Awoloh; Mrs Cecilia Ejimone; among others, expressed joy and gratitude to the CWO members for honouring them. They prayed God to reward them with long life embellished with good health.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman, Planning Committee, Dr Mrs Uche Achebe, expressed appreciation to the guests for honouring the CWO invitation, and the members for their various contributions, as well as support for the success of the event.
The Omembelede Cultural Dance, Adazi-Enu, added glamour to the event.
