By Chinenye Dike
Enugu, August 27, 2023 – In a grand celebration of the liturgical cycle, the Enugu Diocese Catholic Young Women Organization (EDCYWO) came together on August 27, 2023, to commemorate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The event took place at St. Mary’s Parish, Uwani, drawing participants from all the deaneries within the Enugu Diocese.
The festivities commenced with a solemn Mass presided over by the Dean of Enugu Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Malachy Ezeonu, alongside Rev. Fr. Paschal Nwosu and Rev. Christopher Tochi Ene.
During his homily, Rev. Fr. Paschal Nwosu emphasized the significance of knowing Christ, invoking the example of Peter’s profound declaration of Christ’s identity. He elaborated on the privileges bestowed upon those who truly know Christ, emphasizing the imperative of love, following Christ’s commandment as articulated in John 13.
Drawing from the day’s Gospel, Fr. Paschal reminded the congregation that the question “Do you know me?” posed by Christ was not limited to the disciples but extended to every Christian. He stressed the importance of understanding why one follows Christ, comparing those who followed Him for worldly benefits with those who sought the eternal nourishment of the bread of life. Fr. Paschal encouraged all to tread the narrow path to heaven, just as Christ instructed James and John.
Furthermore, Fr. Paschal explained that knowing Christ should reflect in one’s obedience to His commandments and daily life. He emphasized that Christ, the ordained savior, reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit. He urged attendees to open themselves to Christ, who would grant them authority to share the good news.
Fr. Paschal reminded everyone that knowing Christ transcends status and called upon them to emulate Mary’s selflessness, which is at the heart of the Assumption celebration.
Addressing the CYWO, he emphasized that celebrating the Feast of Assumption is not merely about the event but about internalizing its grace. He encouraged them to actively engage in their parishes and strive to imitate Mary’s devotion.
In his vote of thanks, the Chaplain of the youths, Very Rev. Chinedu Ozoagu, expressed gratitude to all participants and clergy for their role in the successful celebration, apologizing for his absence during the Mass.
President Princess Anthonia Okonkwo extended gratitude to God and acknowledged the contributions of the clergy, including Bishop Most. Rev. Dr. Callistus V.C. Onaga, as well as various dignitaries. She unveiled the 2023 theme, “Mary, the Woman Honored by God,” and introduced the strategic project initiative, the “EDCYWO Agriculture and Food Production Center,” aimed at ensuring food security within the Enugu Diocese and creating employment opportunities.
Miss Anthonia solicited support for the project and pledged its potential to benefit the community directly and indirectly. She concluded by expressing appreciation for the organization’s members and offered prayers for their blessings.
The event featured the presentation of Mary’s statue, cake cutting, cultural dance performances, and the launch of the Agriculture and Food Production Center project. A skills acquisition training led by Lady Nonye Akuilo provided practical knowledge in confectionery making, underlining the importance of skill acquisition and self-empowerment.
The ceremony also included an awards presentation to the winners of various competitions. Emene Deanery claimed the top position in the volleyball competition, while St. Ann Ama Nkanu excelled in the match pass competition. Miss Okogbuo Franca Emmanuella was crowned Miss CYON following her victory in the beauty pageant, a title handed over by the outgoing Miss CYON.
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