Activities marking the 2014 Education Week of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri were rounded off on Sunday, Feb, 16 with Thanksgiving Mass in all parishes in the Archdiocese.

However, the grandfinale took place on Friday, February 14 at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri. It coincided with the Feast of Valentine.

The Mass was presided over by the Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri. He was assisted by the Vicar-General, Rev. Fr. Patrick Ibole, the Chancellor/Secretary of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Oha, the Director of Education, Rev. Fr. Victor Eleba and other priest members of the Archdiocesan Education Board.

In his sermon, Archbishop Obinna reflected both on the Education Week and the Feast of Valentine. He reminded the pupils and students that Jesus Christ is our greatest love, the greatest Valentine.

He said that true love is patient and advised girls to preserve their chastity and not fall prey to material things. He reminded them of the saying that, “foolish girls don’t know that boys don’t get pregnant” (Oke soro ngwere gwuo mmiri okochaa ngwere o gaghi ako oke.)

On the Education Week, Archbishop Obinna said the Church’s involvement in the education sector is for the good of the society.

He said that Catholic priests do not marry and therefore have no children of their own, yet they are interested in inculcating discipline and fear of God in our children so that they’ll grow up to be stars.

“The essence of Catholic education is to train children to be stars, to twinkle like stars, to fly, to become useful to church and society”, the Archbishop said.

He expressed satisfaction with the activities for the Education Week, including the Community Service (Boba Job) carried out  by all Catholic schools in their different communities.

Speaking later at the reception ceremony, the chairmen of the occasion, Professor Jude Njoku said he was glad to be part of the celebration for two reasons. “First, I am basically an educationist and second, I was part of the process of returning schools to the mission.”

Njoku who was a former Commissioner for Education under Governor Ikedi Ohakim administration, which returned some schools to their former  owners said, “we knew that one day we will see what we are seeing today,” adding that “the children we see today look like what we were in those days.”

The former Vice- Chancellor of FUTO called on the State Government to help alleviate the cost of running mission schools by giving grant in-aid.

“I see no reason why Government should not give aid to mission schools so that they will be more empowered to achieve the kind of education that will enable one fit into any society,” Prof Njoku said.

In his welcome address, the Director of Education, Rev. Fr. Victor Eleba said some challenges facing mission schools include drop in population due to free education in public schools in Imo State, paucity of fund and the ever dilapidating infrastructure among others. He however expressed gratitude to God that “even in this grave circumstance, our schools have not lost their appeal but have ever remained relevant.”

On the theme for the Week – CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN OWERRI ARCHDIOCESE; REVIEWING FOR REFINEMENT – Fr. Eleba said it was not accidental as it was well thought through and selected.

“The theme compels us to take a hard look at the receding past with all its glories and spectacle; and see our Catholic schools at her golden age.” He regretted that the “gold is steadily gathering dust, as most of our schools, especially the ones appropriated by the Government have lost their shine and sparkle.”

He reminded guests that education is a very capital intensive venture and appealed to all who have stakes in the future of this nation to come and partner with the church and give our wards a secure tomorrow.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the 2014 Education Week. Rev. Fr. Bethrand Ujunwa thanked the Archbishop, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Njoku, special guests, the Education Board, Parish Priests, Principles, Head teachers, Staff, Students and Pupils, for their support and co-operation. He also thanked members of his Committee for their efforts to ensure that the week was a success.

Our reporter said the Education Week featured football competitions, Lectures, Debates/Quiz, Community Service, Cultural dances and Thanksgiving Mass.

It should be recalled that the first Education Week in the Archdiocese was held in November 2006.  It was aimed at sensitizing the public on the readiness of the Catholic Church to bring back the lost glory of Catholic schools.

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