By Mokwugwo Ogochukwu
Young Catholic girls from across the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia (CADEK) on Sept. 6, converged on St. Anthony’s Parish, Nanka, for the maiden Diocesan Mary League Day Celebration, aimed at promoting their spiritual, moral and human formation for virtuous womanhood. The celebration, marked a significant milestone in the history of the Mary League Girls’ Association in the diocese and the ministry of its Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Peter Nwobodo.
In his homily, titled “Forming Girls for a Virtuous Womanhood,” Cardinal Okpaleke described the gathering as a joyful and historic occasion, being the first diocesan celebration of its kind. He commended the girls for turning out for the event, noting that their participation demonstrated their willingness to embrace the formation and values promoted by the Mary League.
According to the Cardinal, the Mary League Girls’ Association should not be seen merely as an organisation concerned with outward appearance or dressing, but as a “School of Formation for Life”, where young girls are guided to discover God’s plan for their lives and cultivate virtues needed for responsible and fulfilled womanhood.
He explained that the formation offered through the association encompasses the spiritual, moral, emotional and practical dimensions of the girls’ lives. Addressing the influence of social media and contemporary culture on young people, Cardinal Okpaleke urged the girls to exercise discernment over the messages and values they encounter in society.
He noted that while fashion, social media and other societal influences could shape perceptions of identity, the Word of God remained the most reliable foundation for understanding their dignity and purpose. The Cardinal therefore encouraged the girls to place Jesus Christ at the centre of their lives and allow their relationship with Him to influence their decisions, aspirations and conduct.
Reflecting on the biblical readings, he reminded the girls that their talents and abilities should be placed at the service of Christ and used for the good of the Church and society. Cardinal Okpaleke further urged them to cultivate virtues such as modesty, prudence, discipline, self-respect and respect for others, stressing that true beauty is rooted in dignity and modesty rather than exposing the body.
He encouraged the girls to develop the ability to make sound decisions, exercise control over their desires and emotions, care for others and maintain discipline in their everyday lives.
The Bishop identified hard work as one of the essential virtues that should be cultivated among the girls, cautioning them against idleness and dependence on wealthy individuals as a means of securing their future through marriage.
Rather, he urged them to develop their talents, acquire useful skills and prepare themselves to become productive women who can contribute meaningfully to the Church, their families and society.
Reflecting further on the Gospel message, the cardinal advised the girls and other participants against allowing anxiety over their future to dominate their lives.
He encouraged them to put God first, especially in a society where young people may be tempted to prioritise popularity, material success and social recognition over their relationship with God.
The Cardinal also linked the celebration to the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, reminding the participants that caring for the environment is an important responsibility entrusted to humanity by God. He urged the girls to promote environmental cleanliness and avoid practices such as indiscriminate disposal of refuse that could damage the environment and charged the Mary League Girls to become advocates for environmental responsibility in their families, schools, parishes and communities.
However, Cardinal Okpaleke noted that beyond the natural environment, human life remains the most precious part of God’s creation that must be protected.
He therefore urged the girls to respect their bodies and the bodies of others, emphasising the dignity and sacredness of every human life.
The programme also featured a welcome song by the Mary League Girls Association, Ekwulobia Deanery, and a welcome address by the Diocesan President of the association, Ms. Chideraa Nwude. Other highlights included the cutting of a cake in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and a colourful cultural dance presentation by the Mary League Girls Association, Nanka Deanery.
Mokwugwo Ogochukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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