By Chikezie Ogbonna
The Enugu Catholic Diocese today 1st November officially declared open the 2024/2025 academic session in line with its tradition for schools under the Diocesan Catholic Education commission, championing the enduring values of moral integrity and academic excellence. Presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, the event resonated with a powerful message: that Catholic education is more than just academic pursuit; it is a transformative journey of character formation.
Addressing the congregation in his opening remarks, Bishop Obodo highlighted the Catholic Church’s longstanding commitment to quality education, urging educators, students, parents, and all stakeholders to uphold the pillars of morality, discipline, and intellectual growth that define Catholic education. “Quality education is not a luxury but a necessity,” Bishop Obodo declared, “and it is the duty of all, from teachers to parents, to nurture the minds and hearts of our young ones in the spirit of truth and integrity.”
The homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Marcellanus Aneke further deepened this message, calling on students to pursue sainthood by approaching ordinary tasks with extraordinary dedication. Fr. Aneke passionately encouraged the young minds before him, emphasizing that true greatness lies not only in grand achievements but in the commitment to virtuous deeds in daily life. His words left a lasting impression on students, urging them to embody the values of faith, resilience, and service.
The event took an engaging turn as Bishop Obodo held a lively interactive session, testing students’ knowledge of Catholic values and rewarding those who demonstrated a profound understanding. The Bishop’s questions not only challenged the students academically but also prompted them to think deeply about their roles in society. Students who answered correctly were publicly recognized and praised, infusing the gathering with enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to learning.
In a highlight of the day, Bishop Obodo presented merit awards to students who excelled in the 2023/2024 English Language Essay Competition, organized by the Enugu State Catholic Education Commission. These exceptional students were celebrated for their analytical prowess and creativity, underscoring the diocese’s commitment to nurturing intellectual rigor.
The Bishop also honored the champions of the Diocesan Catholic Schools Football Tournament, which saw fierce competition earlier in the year, from February 8 to March 6. The schools that clinched first and second place were presented with gifts, a gesture that acknowledged not just their physical talents but their team spirit and discipline, adding yet another dimension to the day’s message of holistic education.
The session closed with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Rev. Fr. Chime Alphonsus, who expressed deep gratitude to the Bishop for his continued dedication to education and moral guidance. Fr. Alphonsus also commended the schools and their administrations for their unflagging commitment to the values upheld by the diocese.
The occasion was further enriched by an attendance march-past that featured all the Catholic schools present, creating a vibrant spectacle of unity and shared purpose. The march-past was a testament to the diocese’s commitment to fostering community and instilling a sense of belonging among its students.
The opening of the 2024/2025 academic session was not just an event but a compelling reminder of the profound impact of Catholic education. As the new academic year unfolds, the diocese’s message stands clear: that the power of education lies in its ability to shape not just minds but lives, guiding students toward a future built on faith, knowledge, and integrity.
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