Chinedum Treasure
Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia has charged women to live lives they could be proud of tomorrow.
He also urged them to become guardians of human dignity and peace.
The bishop gave the charge during the annual Provincial Conference of the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Benin Province (CWONBEP) held at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Afasho/Afowa Uzairue, Etsako West Council Area of Edo State.
Delivering the homily during the Pontifical Holy Mass marking the opening of the conference, the Prelate cited the story of the prodigal son, noting that the elder son who got angry because his father welcomed his prodigal brother could be likened to leaders who expect rewards for rendering services to humanity.
According to him, God who sees the heart of all knows who is doing what and would reward everyone accordingly.
On the role of mothers in the family, church and society, the Bishop Dunia said, “the mother knows, nurtures, guides and trains the child from the cradle to become a useful member of the society, no matter the material resources available.
He challenged women to use their positions to take decisions capable of producing better society.
Welcoming the conferees, Provincial President, CWO, Benin Province, Dr. Lady Perekebina Berezi described the theme for the 2026 assembly: “Magnifica Humanitas: Women As Guardians of Dignity and Peace” as not only timely considering nation’s security challenges but also spoke to greatness of human created in the image and likeness of God.
Delivering a keynote speech, Chancellor of Auchi Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Attashie charged women to protect their children from all manner of danger, stressing that a woman of dignity is a woman of peace.
The 4-day event hosted by Auchi Diocese attracted over 3000 women drawn from the six dioceses that constitute Benin Province, including the Archdiocese of Benin, Dioceses of Warri, Iselle-Uku, Bomadi, Auchi and Uromi.
Highlights of the event were award presentations to men and women who have distinguished themselves; annual general assembly, AGA during which each Diocesan President presented her annual report; Rosary Procession; and gala night during which prizes were presented to the winners of singing and quiz competitions.
Auchi Diocese clinched the first position in the singing competition, Uromi Diocese came second and Warri Diocese came third; whereas Benin Archdiocese took first position in quiz competition, Iselle-Uku Diocese came second and Bomadi Diocese emerged third.
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