By Chinyere Nwoye
The Catholic Women Organization (CWO), St. Matthew’s Parish, Amawbia, has concluded its 2026 August Meeting with a charge to Catholic mothers to demonstrate “PURE LOVE IN ACTION” in their homes, the Church, and the wider society.
During the 3-day meeting, which kick-started on August 10, the President of CWO in the parish, Lady Regina Igwebuike, said the theme was prayerfully chosen to remind women of their sacred responsibilities as custodians of faith and family values.
Lady Igwebuike urged members to model their lives after the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom she described as “our Mother and Model” whose selfless love, obedience, and service remain the standard for Catholic women. She said August is a season of gathering, reflection and renewed commitment for Catholic women worldwide.
According to her, the meeting in St. Matthew’s Parish provides an opportunity to deliberate on parish development, address pressing challenges facing members, and reposition CWO for greater service to God and humanity, noting that motherhood itself is a divine calling that goes beyond biology.
In a reflection delivered to members, the CWO president said while a mother is defined as a female parent, the reality of motherhood is far broader. She explained that mothers come in different forms; by birth, adoption, or stepmotherhood, and that the essence lies in love, strength, resilience, and compassion shown to children.
Quoting scripture and citing the example of St. Monica, Lady Igwebuike said godly mothers shape the faith and destiny of their children through prayer, example, and discipline. She described mothers as managers, teachers, nurses, and financial controllers in the family, and as first educators and mentors in society.
On the role of mothers in the Church, she noted that women carry out vital apostolate that sustains the faith community, challenging members to examine how they shape their children, asking whether they are “potters” who mold with patience and kindness, or “sculptors” who use harsh words out of stress.
The CWO president also unveiled key projects for the year. She said the executive is targeting the procurement of an additional 500 seats to replace expired ones in the parish hall, with revenue from rentals expected to sustain CWO activities, adding that the organization plans to purchase coolers, plates, and cutlery sets for CWO use to reduce cost and improve service delivery.
In view of the projects, Lady Igwebuike solicited generous donations in cash and in kind from members, benefactors, and friends of the parish. She expressed appreciation to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Donatus Oragwam, the Parish Council, catechists, and the Lagos Branch led by Barr. Lizzy Akah and Dr. Doris Nwankwo for their consistent support.
Beyond logistics, the President gave practical advice to mothers. She urged them to prioritize prayer and the word of God in their homes, train children in faith and good morals, be agents of peace, and practice charity to the less privileged. “Let our love not be in words alone, but in action. Visit the sick, encourage the weak, and be the light of Christ in your neighborhoods,” she said.
Lady Igwebuike also commended the CWO Executive for their dedication and applauding members for sustaining financial obligations despite economic challenges. She prayed for God’s blessings on all virtuous mothers and enablement to always carry out the apostolate of the organization.
Chinyere Nwoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
