Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of Igbo Catholic Community in the diocese of Oakland (in state of California) held her annual August Meeting on Saturday, August 7th,2021. Women August Meeting is a yearly meeting of (Igbo) Catholic Women all over the world where they articulate guiding policies and their spiritual well being. It is an avenue where they are reminded of their Faith and Salvation pathway. Which include their roles in the family, in the church, in child care, training and development. This yearly special Meeting is overwhelmingly popular among Catholic women.
In his welcome address, the Chaplain and Spiritual Director of Igbo Catholic Community,(ICCH), Rev Fr Osita Modestus Mgbaramuko was excited about this year meeting. He challenged all the participant to use every opportunity in life to live decent life (of emulation) because women’s life has its own calling. God has limitless Love for all of His servants, he highlighted. All the same, he thanked them for their dedication to the Community over the years.
The two guest preachers were Rev Mother Chidiebere Onyewuchi of Holy Family Missionaries Of Mercy (HFMM) and Rev Fr Angelbert Chikere of diocese of San Jose, California. Mother Chdiebere reinforced the spiritual significance of Sacrament of Reconciliation. She explained how Repentance bring about Forgiveness and Blessings. It is a game changer. Blessed are the Peace makers for they shall be called Children of God, she concluded. Fr Angelbert emphasized the importance of women’s duties in the Family, Community and in the Church. To this end, he invoked them to live simple and prayerful. Prayer does everything. Prayer is the key to unlock any difficulty. He said.
In her speech, President of the women, Dr (Mrs) Ugochi Amuzie implored the women to live up to the calling expected from them. She noted how the positive and negative contributions of women impact families and communities. At large, their life styles are impactful not just in their families, perhaps, connected to the entire Community.
In his goodwill message, the President General of the Community, Sir Austin Uwakwe congratulated the women for organizing this annual project meeting. He tasked them to continue their positive energy as agent of the Church and unifier of progressive Christian family. He assured them of all necessary support if needed to make them grow from strength to greatness.
The Igbo Catholic Community offers Liturgical and Cultural diversity. Located in the popular San Francisco Bay Area and robust Silicon Valley neighborhood, it’s membership boast of varying professional men and women that drive vibrancy of the Community among others. This Community was inaugurated in 2004 to address the Spiritual and Social needs of the Igbos in the Bay Area. To also promote Religious and Cultural celebration in accordance with appropriate Igbo Liturgical awareness and understanding. The Igbo Catholic Community’s goal is to foster the propagation of Igbo Culture and Language through the Eucharistic celebration and other liturgical services. This Community is the first premium Community outside Nigeria and within diaspora Nigerian community to hold August meeting.
In the Pastoral Team are Rev Fr Osita Modestus Mgbaramuko (Chaplain), Rev Fr (Dr) Alfred Amos and Rev Deacon Sunny Offorjebe and host of other religious men and women.
