By Daruwana Daku and Vivian Ononiwu
The Catholic Diocesan Laity Council, Awka, had on Thursday, December 14, 2023 hosted the bishop of the diocese, his Lordship, Most. Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Awka for her annual Christmas Celebration.
The body which is a composition of the Catholic Men’s Organization, Catholic Women’s Organization, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, Holy Childhood Association and other pious societies, thought it wise to thank the bishop for the year and also made it an avenue to celebrate with him during Christmas.
Receiving the council, Bishop Ezeokafor expressed joy with the laity council of the diocese noting that the diocese is making tremendous progress yearly.
While presenting their solitary gifts to the Bishop, the societies and deaneries all appraised the bishop well for the good work he was doing and promised to support the bishop’s house, his pastoral work, and other diocesan projects.
Speaking with Fides, the President, Laity Council of Nigeria, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Mr. Joseph Igwebuike noted that the event was an annual ceremony where the council in her wisdom shows gratitude to the bishop for the copious work he is doing in the diocese.
In appreciating the CWO Wing of the Laity Council for their generosity in giving cash and food items to the less privilege at the event, Mr. Igwebuike also called on other body members of the council to emulate the CWO in reaching out to the poor and needy especially in the festive moments noting that it was a usual culture of the CWO to doll out cash and food items to the poor and needy.
Fides gathered that the Laity Council in the Catholic Church is made up of members of the church that are not ordained as priests and religious. The council is made up of selected members from CMO, CWO, CYON as well as other societies that are poised to steer the activities of the Laity in the diocese.
Highlights of the event included debate presentation on the importance of Girl Child Education in the society by the Holy Childhood; Association Quiz competition by themembers of CWO, CYON and Holy Childhood; Christmas songs presented by Blossom Font Model School, Awka , Cutting of Cake and Christmas dance