By Nkiru Anakor
The Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Nnewi, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, has urged young people to cultivate friendships founded on Christian values, encouraging them to become true ambassadors of Christ in their schools, families, and communities.
Bishop Okoye gave the charge on August 6, during the 2026 Young Catholic Students’ Convention held at Mother of Mercy Secondary School, Otolo, Nnewi.
The annual convention brought together catholic students from across the diocese, providing them with an opportunity to deepen their relationship with Christ, strengthen their catholic identity, and grow in faith.
The programme focused on youth formation, equipping participants with the virtues, knowledge, and practical guidance needed to confront the moral and social challenges facing young people in today’s society. Through prayer, reflection, learning, and interactive sessions, the students were encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and serve as positive influences among their peers.
In his homily, Bishop Okoye urged the students to remain unwavering in their christian convictions despite societal pressures and changing cultural trends. He cautioned them against following the crowd, stressing that true greatness is found in living faithfully according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Bishop also assured the students of his continued support and expressed his desire to participate in future editions of the convention whenever his pastoral engagements permit.
He prayed for the youths of the diocese, asking God to guide and protect them, keep them from going astray, and help them grow in wisdom, holiness, and love for God and humanity.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the students expressed gratitude to Bishop Okoye for organising what they described as a spiritually enriching and life-transforming convention. They pledged to apply the lessons they had learned and to remain faithful disciples of Christ and ambassadors of hope wherever they find themselves.
Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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