The Archdiocese of Ibadan Catholic Women Organization (AICWO) general meeting was held on July 21st 2024 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church Asipa, Odo - Ona Elewe, Ibadan.

In his homily, the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Kelvin Nwune OMV advised the worshippers to be a Good Shepherd. “As a man, woman, son or daughter, we all need to act as a Good Shepherd in our various capacities and capabilities.”

In his further reflection, he said that Jesus is the Messiah who came into the world to give his life as a ransom for many.

He did not come to be served but to serve giving his life daily for the welfare of his flock. Hence, scripture teaches that Jesus is the good shepherd who gives his life for his sheep. 

In the first reading of the day: (Jeremiah 23:1-6), the prophet Jeremiah proclaims doom upon the shepherd of Israel who failed to care for the sheep entrusted to them, allowing them to be scattered and destroyed. This is contrary to the action of Jesus Christ and his disciples in the gospel of today (Mark 6:30-34).

 

In the course of their ministry to people, Jesus and his disciples were stressed and so Jesus asked that they go and rest. However, when he saw the crowd coming upon them like sheep without shepherds, Jesus stepped out again to teach them.

By this act, Jesus has shown that the major characteristics of a shepherd include availability and commitment to the flock.

One thing is to accept the position of pastoral leadership and another thing is to be ready to make the necessary sacrifices for the flock following the example of Christ.

He also mentioned that today's marks 10th year since St. Anthony's Parish Asipa hosted AICWO.

According to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Nwune OMV, he's fortunate to witness the event in his own time as the current Parish Priest of St Anthony's Catholic Church, Asipa.

Asipa Parish has 3 Outstations namely: St. Monica Ayegun, St. Felix Academy and St. John De Baptist, Asaka 1-Ojuekun. All CWO members from the Outstations were all present in the Parish at Asipa to attend the AICWO meeting.

In her address the AICWO President, Lady Clara Yemi Oke appreciated the Parish Priest, the Parish Pastoral Council and all Lay Faithful present at the Mass.

She extended her sincere condolence to the Parish on behalf of all the women for the demise of Rev. Fr. Aniebiet Inyang, OMV who died on the 14th of July after a brief illness.