Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria (CWO), Oyo Diocese, successfully held its 2026 Annual Seminar at St. Mary Catholic Schools, Igbeti, bringing together delegates from across the diocese for a spiritually enriching, educational, and community-focused gathering centered on faith formation, family life, and service to the Church.

 

The seminar, which spanned several days, unfolded in an atmosphere of devotion, sisterhood, learning, and renewal, as participants engaged in liturgical celebrations, keynote teachings, health awareness sessions, cultural expressions, and spiritual reflections aimed at strengthening their role as mothers and collaborators in the Church’s mission.

 

The event opened with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by a welcome address from the Diocesan CWO President, Mrs. Dorcas Taiwo Adeyemi, who encouraged members to fully engage in the program and ensure they return home spiritually renewed and practically strengthened for their families and communities.

 

A major highlight of the opening day was a keynote presentation by Rev. Fr. Joachim Taiwo Alade on the theme “Building Godly Homes: Raising Disciples and Nurturing Vocations in the Digital Age.” He described the family as the first school of faith and the domestic Church, stressing that parents are the primary builders of moral and spiritual formation. He also warned against excessive digital distractions in homes and urged families to establish a “digital rule” that prioritizes prayer, communication, and Christian values. Drawing inspiration from St. Monica and the Blessed Virgin Mary, he encouraged mothers to remain steadfast in nurturing vocations and holiness within the family.

 

The day concluded with a penitential service led by Rev. Fr. Leonard Ajereola, offering participants an opportunity for reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation.

 

The second day began with Eucharistic Adoration (Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament) led by Rev. Fr. Peter Ojeniyi, followed by Holy Mass attended by clergy and delegates. The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, was represented by Rev. Fr. Joachim Alade.

 

In his homily, Fr. Ojeniyi emphasized unwavering discipleship and courage in faith, reminding the faithful that no force can overcome those who remain steadfast in God’s presence. He encouraged the women to persevere through trials, drawing strength from Scripture and the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

At the close of Mass, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adepoju expressed appreciation to the Bishop for his fatherly support and acknowledged the contributions of priests, religious, and lay collaborators who ensured the success of the seminar. Special recognition was also given to transport operators, media personnel, and the social communications team for their dedication in documenting the event.

 

The seminar continued with intellectual and pastoral presentations, including reflections on Catholic women as “salt of the earth” and agents of transformation in their families and communities. Rev. Fr. Matthew Olom Ijuo delivered a major lecture titled “Catholic Women: Indispensable Collaborators in the Mission of the Church,” where he highlighted the Biblical and historical importance of women in evangelization, charity, and discipleship. He also cautioned against internal divisions, gossip, and unhealthy competition within Church organizations.

 

Cultural expression enriched the atmosphere as the CWO Saki Zone delivered a lively musical performance, reinforcing unity and joy among participants.

 

Health awareness was also a key component of the seminar, as Dr. Olayinka delivered a lecture on Hepatitis B, describing it as a silent but dangerous disease. He emphasized prevention through vaccination, screening, and safe health practices, while correcting misconceptions about transmission.

 

Throughout the sessions, the Diocesan CWO President, Mrs. Adeyemi, consistently expressed gratitude to speakers and participants, noting that the seminar successfully combined spiritual formation with practical knowledge for daily living.

 

The final day featured a closing Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church, Igbeti, where Rev. Fr. Joachim Alade delivered a homily that focused on hope, courage, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. He reminded the women that the Holy Spirit remains the Comforter and guide for all believers and urged them to live in love, unity, and faithfulness within their families and communities.

 

In her closing remarks, Mrs. Adeyemi appreciated all participants, host communities, clergy, and organizers, while also thanking the Bishop for his continuous pastoral support. She expressed gratitude to all priests who ministered during the seminar, including Rev. Fr. Anthony Adepoju, Rev. Fr. Joachim Alade, Rev. Fr. Peter Ojeniyi, Rev. Fr. Leonard Ajereola, and Rev. Fr. Matthew Olom Ijuo, among others.

 

Rev. Fr. Adepoju also introduced the YOUCAT catechism initiative as a tool for strengthening youth faith formation and commended the media team for their effective coverage.

 

The seminar concluded in an atmosphere of thanksgiving, joy, and renewed commitment as participants departed Igbeti spiritually strengthened and recommitted to their mission as indispensable collaborators in building godly homes and advancing the work of the Church across the diocese.