Faith, family values and moral responsibility were strongly emphasised at the end-of-year celebration of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) at the Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).
Delivering the homily on Sunday during the event, Rev. Fr. Chidi Obasi charged Christians to deepen their spiritual discernment and avoid limiting God to preconceived expectations, warning that such attitudes often prevent believers from recognising God’s presence and blessings in their daily lives.
Drawing from Gospel passages on John the Baptist and the coming of the Messiah, the priest explained that many people fail to recognise divine intervention because God often works through unexpected channels.
He urged the faithful to remain open-minded and prayerful, especially during the yuletide season.
Fr. Obasi also stressed that true greatness is not defined by titles, status or self-promotion but by good deeds and humility.
According to him, genuinely great individuals allow their actions to speak for them while acknowledging and celebrating the virtues of others.
He further reminded the congregation that heaven remains the ultimate goal of Christian life, noting that earthly achievements are meaningless if they do not lead to salvation.
“The greatest achievement is entry into the Kingdom of Heaven,” he said, urging Christians to examine their lives and priorities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Catholic Men Organisation, CMO at the Parrish, Barrister Patrick Anayo Mbam (Omata) echoed the priest’s message, calling on men to uphold the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church and ensure that morality is upheld in homes and society, particularly during the festive period.
He tasked fathers and mothers with taking greater responsibility for the moral and spiritual upbringing of their children, while also urging teachers and guardians to play active roles in shaping the character of young people under their care.
The CMO chairman prayed for God’s guidance, protection and blessings upon families and the wider Christian community as they prepare to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
The event, which marked the 2025 end-of-year party for the men’s wing of the church, brought together parishioners in a spirit of thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment to faith, family and moral living.
