-   Mothers, illumine your homes, says priest

The activities marking the 2014 Mother’s Day celebration of St. Mark’s Catholics Parish, New Owerr, ended Sunday, March 30, 2014.

The occasion began with Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Paschal Onyeneke assisted by Rev. Msgr. Marcellinus U. Ibe, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Mark C. Njoku and a visiting priest, Rev. Fr. Godwin Uzoma.

Delivering his homily, Fr. Uzoma recounted Jesus’ marvelous deeds in making the blind see and the anointing of David as king.  Christ, he said, does not look at men’s outward appearance but inward.  He therefore encouraged Christians not to be deceived by physical and material wants but should be more concerned about their spiritual life.

On the celebration he noted that “this is a happy day; a day we should rejoice and glorify God for mourning is not meant for everyday”.

He went on to admonish mothers not to lead their husbands to thinking that their marriage was a mistake that needs to be corrected with divorce or otherwise.  He enjoined mothers to have patience and endurance as their watchword, as the Igbo adage says – di bu ndidi, ebe nwaanyi na-anyi aro.

Speaking further, he enjoined mothers to examine their lives, mode of dressing, speech and behaviour in their homes, places of work and be a blessing to everyone that comes in contact with them, noting that they are supposed to be light in their homes and society.

According to him, gone are those days when wives are being referred to as “Obiageri” or “Oriaku”, they should learn to work hand-in-hand with their husbands.  A good wife should be known and referred to as “Osodiaru” or “Odoziaku”.  They should be truthful to their husbands and children, and be the mirror through which their husbands see.  Husbands and children must also live good lives that will not tarnish the image and efforts of the mother in raising a good home.

He therefore encouraged all families to cooperate and have the interest of their families at heart.  Noting that a family that lives, eats and prays together, stays together.  Families, he said should emulate the holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

The warm reception which followed immediately after the Mass featured breaking of kolanut, cutting of cake, welcome address, akuko uwa, drama and march-past.

In her address, the CWO President of St. Mark’s Parish, Barr. Lady Ngozi B. Iwu, appreciated the efforts of her members who stood solidly behind her since 2012 to date.  The goals which the association has achieved so far was because of their collective efforts, she said.

In her opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Lady Felicia Izugbokwe enjoined mothers to live out the names their husbands call them such as sweetheart, darling, honey, obidiya, my heart etc.

Women from Sacred Heart Station lifted the trophy in the march-past competition while the second and third positions went to St. Patrick’s and Blessed Tansi Stations respectively.

Dignitaries who graced the occasion include the former Head of Service, Imo State, Chief (Mrs.) I.A. Umez-Eronini (mni), Barr. Lady N.B. Iwu, Lady F. Izugbokwe, Lady Angela Iheanacho, Rev. Fr. Rufus Achilike (indigenous priest) and many others.

The Parish Priest, Fr. Mark Njoku prayed God to bless all families and wished all mothers another year of celebration.  The Vice-President of the association, Lady Iheanacho gave the vote of thanks while Msgr. M.U. Ibe gave the final blessings.

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