By Nonye Muo
The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Awka Diocese, on July 5, commenced its 2026 August Meeting with a call on mothers to take deliberate steps toward restoring family values and raising morally upright children.
The call was made during the opening ceremony of the annual gathering held at Cana House, Awka, which attracted women from parishes across the diocese for spiritual reflection and discussions on family life and Christian values.
Delivering a homily at the Holy Mass preceding the event, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Paulinus Ezeokafor, represented by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Charles Ndubuisi, described the family as the foundation of society and urged mothers to guide their children in the fear of God.
He attributed the growing rate of social vices and moral decline among young people largely to inadequate parental guidance, noting that many parents now devote more time to economic pursuits than to the upbringing of their children. He urged mothers to pay closer attention to their children’s moral and spiritual development.
Also speaking, Victor Umeh said mothers play a critical role in shaping the future of society through the values they instill in their children. He encouraged them to promote godly virtues, discipline and responsible living from an early age.
The member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Oby Orogbu, unveiled the theme of the 2026 August Meeting, “Pure Love in Action,” and described mothers as agents of positive change who must remain committed to raising children with faith, integrity and compassion.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, represented by the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr. Rome Ibekwe, urged mothers to take greater responsibility for the upbringing of their children. He cautioned against excessive reliance on house helps and caregivers, saying parental presence and guidance remain indispensable.
Earlier, the Director of CWO Awka Diocese, Lady Ngozi Muo, described the August Meeting as a period of spiritual renewal, reflection and fellowship. She said the organization remained committed to strengthening families, promoting Christian values and supporting vulnerable members of society, while encouraging participants to foster peace, family unity and community development.
Highlights of the event included the unveiling of the meeting’s theme, ceremonial cake cutting, the lighting of candles in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the presentation of gifts to Mother Mary.
Nonye Muo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
