The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye has called on Catholic women in Nigeria to avoid living their Christian faith in isolation. 

The Bishop made this charge while delivering is homily during the Opening Mass of the 2024 Annual Retreat/End of the Year meeting of the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria (CWON), which took place at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State between Thursday 10th and Sunday 13th October 2024.

Bishop Felix Ajakaye noted that faith can only be lived in the midst of people as he stated that Motherhood is a vocation and the vocation cannot be successfully lived without faith. He pointed out that women are the custodians of faith and the hope keepers of the families.

According to the homilist, confidence and trust in God is part of the vocation of Motherhood, hence, he urged them to hold on to the faith and never took it for granted.

"The devil and evil are everywhere in the world and they can only be fought through prayers and faith." The Bishop charged.

Bishop Ajakaye further encouraged the women in his homily to witness to Christ in the public às well as in their homes through their words, deeds and their vocation (Motherhood). He noted that any form of Christianity lived alone is not Christ-like. He opined that faith is believe, conviction and witness to allow Christ to love us and therein urged the women to surrender all to Christ.

"Faith is what God demands of you, me and all of us, if you do any work without faith, it is meaningless." The Bishop asserted.

"Jesus is the way that you and I should follow, He is the truth that you and I should preach and He is also the light that you and I should seek eternally." Bishop Ajakaye reminded the congregation.

The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti further encouraged the women to find joy in themselves which cannot be found in others unless it is found in oneself first as one cannot give what is not possessed.

"Whatever the situation is, be joyful, be a joyful Christian, be joyful mother, be joyful father, be joyful priest, be joyful sister, be joyful brother, joyful vocation, joyful home, because whenever you are joyful at any situation, joy radiates." The homilist stated.

Bishop Felix Ajakaye welcomed the Women to Catholic Diocese of Ekiti as he prayed for a successful deliberation at their meeting and memorable experience in the Diocese. The prelate also led the women in various scintillating and motivational songs in the course of the homily.

The National President of Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Dame Mary Asibi Gomsum in her address, expressed thanksgiving to God for the grace of witnessing another edition of the Annual Retreat as she equally prayed for a fruitful deliberation.

She also appreciated the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye for his warmth reception of the members of the organization to the Diocese and for the life-changing homily.

In her welcome address, the Provincial President of the Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria, Ibadan Province, Amb. Adefolaju Faramade welcomed the participants to the Retreat as she expressed appreciation to God for the safe trips for everyone.

She enjoined the participants to fully and actively participate in the activities lined up for the Retreat.

Earlier, the participants were led by the National President, Dame Mary Asibi Gomsum on a courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado Ekiti in his Palace and were warmly welcomed by the Monarch and his Council. Also, the Contingent visited the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye at the Bishop's Court.