- Bestows Honors
- Urges Support for the Nazareth House Project
By: Adolphus Ofoegbulem
The Ahiara Diocesan Catholic Women Organization (AHDCWO), under the leadership of Diocesan President Prof. Mrs. Oby Angel Nnamocha, convened its annual August Meeting on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Nazareth House complex in Lude, Ahiara Mbaise.
With the central theme: “Building on Faith for the Nazareth House.” The assembly brought together clergy, religious, and lay faithful across the diocese, serving as a platform to confer merit awards on notable benefactors and to mobilize support for the completion of the ongoing Nazareth House infrastructure project.
The activities of the day opened with a Solemn Mass presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi. Concelebrants included the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Godson Okoro; the Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Dr. Celestine Ekennia; and the Assistant Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Fintan Ehioma.
In his homily, Fr. Ekennia drew theological parallels between the current socioeconomic climate and the prophetic intercession of Habakkuk, alongside the Gospel account of the father seeking healing for his afflicted son. He exhorted the faithful to maintain steadfast faith during structural adversities, commended the AHDCWO executive and membership for their sustained pastoral initiatives, and appealed for collective financial intervention to advance the structural completion of the diocese’s flagship project.
Delivering the official address of welcome, Diocesan President Prof. Mrs. Oby Angel Nnamocha detailed the operational progress of the Nazareth House project, confirming that construction has advanced to the roofing phase. “This facility represents a consecrated physical footprint of our shared spiritual destiny—conceived as a prophetic hub for retreats, leadership formation, and spiritual sanctuary within our localChurch. It is viable, imperative, and achievable,” Prof. Nnamocha affirmed.
Beyond structural developments, the President emphasized the organization’s ongoing corporal works of mercy targeting vulnerable and indigent mothers across the parishes. She concluded with a direct appeal to the sons and daughters of Mbaise and beyond for capital assistance to complete the complex and fund an operational vehicle to improve logistical efficiency and security for executive movements.
An activity that featured prominently was the formal conferment of patronages and merit awards to individuals recognized for distinguished service to the diocese and they include; Diocesan Patron: Dr. JohnKennedy Opara, PhD, OFR, JP; Diocesan Matrons: Prof. Lady Ginikanwa Genevieve Agulanna, PhD, PhD; Lady Jemma Chikamnele Ekeanyanwu, LSM. Other key awardees were; Dr. Emeka Nwolisa; Barr. Gerald C. Aririguzoh, PhD; Engr. Rex Okoro; Dr. Nnamdi Ejekwumadu; Engr. Amb. Lady Kelechi Regina-Marvis Anaele, FTN; Mrs. Patricia Stan-Dioka; Lady Cynthia Nwaorie (Adaoma); and Ijeoma Justice Ugochukwu.
Additional recognition was extended to selected individualsdesignated under the Ideal Mother and Unique Couple categories.
The recipients of the awards, expressed gratitude to the AHDCWO executive for the recognition and honor and pledged continued material and spiritual support toward diocesan development.
Following the ceremonial cutting of the commemorative cake, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi offered closing remarks, commending the AHDCWO leadership for their administrative stewardship, congratulating the awardees, and imparting his episcopal blessing upon the assembly while endorsing the urgent completion of the Nazareth House infrastructure.
The August meeting of the Ahiara Diocesan Catholic Women Organization successfully concluded with delegates reaffirming their commitment to spiritual growth, church unity, and community development. As members return to their parishes, there is renewed hope to mobilize strong support for the ongoing Nazareth House project and drive impactful initiatives across the diocese.
