By Chinenye Dike
The Pontifical Mission Societies of the Holy Childhood Association marked a remarkable event on Friday, December 6, 2024, with their annual Day with the Bishop. The program, held at the Holy Family Arena of the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu, commenced with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese. The event drew clergy, religious leaders, children, and faithful from across the diocese.
The theme for the year, “Go and Invite Everyone to My Banquet” (Matthew 22:9), was a central focus of Bishop Obodo’s homily. Addressing the congregation, he emphasized the need for inclusivity and commitment to living and spreading the Christian faith.
“Children are at the heart of God’s kingdom,” the bishop declared, “and to enter heaven, we must be like them.” Reflecting on the Biblical account of Samuel, Bishop Obodo underscored the importance of listening to God’s voice, seeking spiritual guidance, and fostering prayerful relationships.
“Samuel, as a child, was guided by Eli to discern God’s call,” he said. “Similarly, children must seek counseling from parents, priests, and other spiritual leaders when they face doubts or confusion about their faith.” The bishop encouraged the young faithful to listen to God’s voice in the Mass, songs, catechism, and other spiritual gatherings, emphasizing the universal call to holiness.
The bishop also addressed the role of parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders in guiding the children. He implored them to encourage rather than mislead the young ones, emphasizing their responsibility to nurture the children’s faith and innocence. “The kingdom of God is for those who are childlike,” he reminded, urging the children to maintain their purity and trust in God.
The bishop closed his homily with a reminder of the universal call to holiness, urging everyone to accept their vocations joyfully, whether as married, single, or religious individuals. “Do not determine for God what He wants you to do. Pray, listen, and trust in His plan,” he advised.
The day featured an enrollment and induction ceremony for new members of the Holy Childhood Association.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Kelvin Odenwagu, who delivered the vote of thanks, expressed deep appreciation to His Lordship for his inspiring homily and spiritual leadership. He extended his gratitude to the Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Rev. Fr. Francis Agu, and other priests, religious leaders, and animators who contributed to the success of the event.
Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Ezi, commissioner for children and Gender, Enugu state who was a guest speaker at the event recognized the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Calistus Valentine Onaga represented by his auxiliary Most Rev. Ernest Obodo. She equally commended the Director of Pontifical Mission Society, Enugu Diocese, Rev. Fr. Francis Agu thanking him for his dedication to Holy Childhood Association and the Young missionary movement of Enugu. She extended appreciation to other priests, Rev. Sisters, the children, and Dignitaries present.
Speaking to the children, she made them realize how blessed they are to be in a Catholic school stating that she also attended a Catholic school (St. Mary’s Nur/Primary School, Emene) which helped to shape her into who she has become.
She urged them to appreciate their parents for the privilege of being in a catholic school. She commended the Diocese of Enugu for having the mindset of bringing the children together for such an educative and entertaining event.
Hon. Ngozi advised the children to be serious with their studies and not get distracted from school to avoid regrets in the future. In the spirit of the Christmas celebration, she reminded them that Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the best gift God gave to mankind urging them to show love just like God showed love to Mankind by giving his only begotten son. She asked the children to desist from the act of covering evil and always speak up when someone does wrong.
She was delighted to celebrate the event with them and hoped next year’s celebration would be bigger and better. She encouraged them to behave well to make their schools, bishops, and themselves proud in the future. Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Ezi, supported the event financially.
The second guest Speaker Barr. Chidimma Okwuowulu, the founder of GENEHEN Global Care Foundation educated the Children on Child Abuse and Neglect enlightening them on their rights as Children.
In his address, Rev. Fr. Francis Agu welcomed the bishop, clergy, religious leaders, and participants to the event. He described the day as one of grace and inspiration, highlighting the association’s mission to nurture the spiritual growth of children and instill in them a love for Christ.
“Through prayers, sacrifices, and acts of charity, these young missionaries embody the mission theme of this year,” he noted. Fr. Agu lauded the bishop’s fatherly love and encouragement, which he said inspired the children’s active participation in the Church’s mission.
Fr. Francis expressed gratitude to His Lordship, Most Rev. C.V.C Onaga, for his financial and spiritual support to the Holy Childhood Association. He was grateful to Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, the auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese for graciously representing the Bishop. Holy Childhood Association presented a gift of gratitude to him.
He also commended the tireless efforts of the event’s organizers, including priests, religious, and lay faithful, for their dedication to fostering missionary discipleship among the young.
The event had a lot of supporters, including the Nigerian Bottling Company, who supported them in partnership, giving the children free maltina drinks and branded exercise books.
The event served as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and deepened faith among the children and their guardians. One thousand, six hundred and fifty children who attended the program left inspired to continue their missionary journey, bringing Christ’s light to their communities and beyond.
The Day with the Bishop concluded with prayers and interactions that left lasting impressions on the hearts of all present.
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