Beatrice ADIGUN

 

Members of the Catholic Women Organization, St. Michael Catholic Church, Yemetu Ibadan, have been admonished to invite Christ into their lives every day. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Onyema gave this admonition in his homily during the Mothers’ day celebration on Sunday, 19th April, 2026.

According to him, “Jesus is who He is, if we move closer to Him, it is we who will benefit from Him. Be closer to him; invite Christ into your lives every day.” The Priest reiterated.

Speaking further, Fr. Onyema urged the women to be true mothers to their children and to those coming after them. He added that they should make themselves available for God.

He stated that God does not make mistakes by creating women; He created them to accomplish His mission. “Learn from the Blessed Mother Mary; lead your children, your family to God. You must be prayerful mothers.” Also to bestow good virtues on their children. He enjoined the women to accompany those who are confused and the grace of God will be in abundance.

The AICWO President, Lady C.Y. Oke in her remarks said that mothers have important roles to play, they are not just mothers, they multiply, they organize, they teach, they keep their homes, they evangelize, and they render services at home, in the Church and the community.

Without women the world is incomplete because an incomplete statement is a failure. She enjoined the women not to be mothers that gossip.

After, the women danced forward in thanksgiving to God. Group photographs were taken after the Mass. The event continued in the Church’s hall where the opening prayer was given by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Onyema.

That was followed by the welcome address given by the Parish CWO President, Mrs. Epiphania Idowu. In her address, she stated that Mothers’ day celebration is not only the celebration of biological mothers, but every woman who nurtures, supports, uplifts and brings hope to others.

She urged every woman to renew their commitment to work with Christ, to recognize Him in their daily lives, and to boldly witness to His resurrection through their actions. She then encouraged the women to support one another in unity and raise their families in faith, hope and love. She prayed for a renewed strength, joy and the grace to continue their mission as women of faith.

The Pre-Mothers’ day celebration activities had earlier started from Monday, 13th April, with a lecture based on the theme for this year’s Mothers’ day celebration: “Women indispensable collaborators in the mission of the Church”. It was given by the Archdiocesan CWO President, Lady Clara Yemi Oke.

On Tuesday, 14th April, there was an interactive session with the Parish Priest. On Wednesday, 15th April-Adoration to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. On Thursday 16th April- Rehearsals for the cultural display. On Friday 17th April visitation to the House of Providence School, Servants of Charity Yemetu, Ibadan and on Saturday 18th April, Quiz competition among the women.

The event of Sunday, 19th April featured presentations by the Block Rosary children, Awards presentation to the dignitaries, fund raising, cutting of cake, and presentations by the women which was followed by menu-menu.

The vote of thanks was given by the planning committee chairperson, Ms Beatrice Adigun while the closing prayer was said by Chief (Mrs.) Mary Adeniyi with Rev. Father Onyema giving the final blessing.