By Chioma Nwankwo
Catholic women have been urged to remain steadfast in their faith and uphold Christian family values despite the growing social and moral challenges confronting modern society.
The charge was given during the Catholic Women’s Organisation (CWO) Convention held on June 17, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Nkpor. The convention brought together women from different backgrounds to reflect on the theme, “Building Christ Centered Families in an Ever-Changing World.”
Delivering a homily at the event, Rev. Fr. Cyprian Nwafor called on Christians to embrace contentment, shun envy and greed, and remain faithful to God’s commandments. Drawing lessons from the biblical account of Naboth’s vineyard, he warned against coveting what belongs to others or pursuing personal ambitions through unjust means.
He noted that the desire to acquire what belongs to others often breeds conflict and wrongdoing, urging the faithful to trust in God’s justice rather than seek revenge.
Addressing participants, the CWO Organizer, Ezinne Marthamary Onwugbene, emphasized that the changing nature of society should not weaken Christian values and principles. Citing Hebrews 13:8, she reminded the women that Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, irrespective of changing times and circumstances.
Mrs. Onwugbene commended patrons, patronesses, youth award recipients, and members of the organization for their dedication to family life, Christian service, and the growth of the Church. She stressed that prayer, love, the sacraments, and the Word of God remain indispensable tools for building strong and stable families.
Highlighting some of the organization’s achievements, she disclosed that the CWO had continued to support seminaries, contribute to parish development projects, pay Shanahan University levies, and implement empowerment programmes for women through cash assistance, food support, and vocational training initiatives.
She appealed for increased support from members and well meaning individuals to enable the organization to expand its empowerment programmes and assist more women in acquiring business and vocational skills capable of improving their livelihoods and promoting family welfare.
The convention concluded with prayers for families, the Church, and the nation, as participants renewed their commitment to building Christ-centered homes capable of withstanding the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Chioma Nwankwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
