The Catholic Women Organisation, Awka Diocese has officially inaugurated its 2026 August Meeting, calling on Catholic women to demonstrate genuine Christian love through selfless service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to family, faith and society.
The colourful opening ceremony, held at Cana House in Awka, attracted clergy, government officials, community leaders and hundreds of Catholic women from across the diocese under the theme, “Pure Love in Action.”
Addressing participants, the Diocesan President of the CWO, Lady Ngozi Dorathy Muo, described the annual August Meeting as a period of spiritual renewal, mentorship, unity and reflection on the challenges facing families, the Church and society.
She said the gathering provides an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to serving God and humanity while strengthening the values that define the Catholic faith.
Speaking on the theme of the meeting, Lady Muo stressed that authentic Christian love must be reflected through acts of kindness, forgiveness, sacrifice and service rather than words alone.
She noted that amid growing moral challenges and economic pressures, mothers have a crucial responsibility as the first teachers of the faith, custodians of family values and promoters of peace and harmony within their homes and communities.
The CWO President also expressed appreciation to the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Paulinus Ezeokafor, for his continued spiritual guidance and support, expressing optimism that this year’s August Meeting would further strengthen members’ commitment to the organisation’s motto of “Apostolate in Unity, Justice and Love.”
Delivering the homily on behalf of the Bishop, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, urged parents, particularly mothers, to devote more time to the moral and spiritual upbringing of their children and to build stronger family relationships rooted in Christian values.
Also speaking, the Chief Chaplain of the CWO, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Okafor, and the Chairman of the occasion, Dozie Nwankwo, represented by the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Romanus Ibekwe, emphasised the importance of responsible parenting and the preservation of family values.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Victor Umeh and Lilian Orogbu, who encouraged Catholic mothers to continue nurturing their children in the fear of God while embracing one another with genuine Agape love.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were officials from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ego Uzoezie, and other church and community leaders.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, symbolising the faith, devotion and enduring commitment of Catholic women to the mission of the Church.
