By Chikezie Ogbonna
In a powerful and transformative event that drew young women from across Enugu Diocese, the Catholic Young Women Organization (CYWO) held an exclusive day-long session with the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo. With a theme that echoed through the halls, “Young Girls, Be Good Examples to a Lost World,” the Bishop’s message of purpose, discipline, and self-respect left an indelible mark on all in attendance.
The event unfolded as a reflective and interactive session, rich in candid insights. The Bishop, known for his thought-provoking homilies, drew from the scripture, particularly 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, urging young women to “be people of vision,” to set their goals with precision, and to nurture a firm bond with God. In today’s world, His Lordship emphasized, young women have a pivotal role in combating the tide of immorality and waywardness infiltrating society.
“The World is Almost a Lost World”
With an unwavering tone, Bishop Obodo captured the congregation’s attention as he decried what he called “a world almost lost.” Reflecting on the troubling signs of the times, he lamented, “The wicked are taking over leadership, suppressing the innocent, and even those called to ministry sometimes fall into actions that scandalize.” He warned of a society where “there is no more conscience, no limit to profanity, and where the sanctity of family is threatened.”
The Bishop spoke passionately about the erosion of moral values, urging the young women to maintain a strong sense of identity and purpose. “Identity and vocation are the cornerstones of life,” he stressed, noting that singlehood, too, is a sacred vocation—whether temporary or permanent. “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,” he said, urging young women to protect their dignity and live by example. “If you don’t know yourself, then there is a problem!” he added, challenging them to cultivate self-awareness and purpose-driven lives.
A Call for Renewed Mindset and Goal-Oriented Living
Emphasizing the need for clarity of purpose, Bishop Obodo encouraged the young women to set their minds right and embrace self-development. “Organize yourself, be the best of yourself, and take your growth seriously,” he urged, criticizing the tendency of some to focus solely on waiting for marriage without building a future for themselves. The Bishop warned against procrastination, calling it “the first step to failure,” and urged the young women to plan daily for a fulfilling life.
He spoke profoundly on the dangers of “mental poverty,” describing it as the root of indecision and lack of ambition. “Poverty is in the mind,” he said. “God’s timing is best, but while you wait, you must be purposeful and driven.” His words echoed as a clarion call to young women to rise above the limitations of societal expectations and pursue excellence in all facets of life.
“Spiritual Poverty is as Damaging as Material Poverty”
His Lordship also tackled the often-overlooked aspect of spiritual poverty, encouraging the young women to draw closer to God through prayer, confession, and intentional Christian living. “Train yourself to be spiritually rich,” he urged, explaining that faith could guide them through life’s darkest moments. “Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find,” he quoted, reminding them that a life rooted in God is the path to true fulfillment.
The Bishop’s message on moral poverty struck a particularly resonant chord. “The way you dress is the way you will be addressed,” he cautioned, condemning indecent and provocative dressing as a sign of moral decay. He warned that letting technology, particularly smartphones, dominate one’s life was another form of bondage, cautioning against addiction to social media and other distractions.
Moving Forward with Purpose
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, where the young women had the opportunity to delve deeper into topics of identity, purpose, and self-respect. The Assistant Chaplain of CYWO, Enugu Diocese, Rev. Sr. Josephine Aniagolu of the Mother of Virgins Congregation, added her voice to the call for discipline and spiritual growth among young women.
In her vote of thanks, CYWO Enugu Diocese President, Miss Anthonia Okonkwo, expressed deep gratitude to Bishop Obodo for his impactful words.
In a world often marked by confusion and shifting morals, Bishop Obodo’s message stands as a beacon, urging young women to anchor themselves in faith, purpose, and virtue. The challenge is set: be a good example to a lost world.
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