‘Take back your families’, Archbishop Okeke tells Catholic fathers at prayer rally

More than 5,000 Catholic fathers gathered on Sunday at the Basilica Square of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in Onitsha, south-eastern Nigeria, for a prayer rally organised by the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Archdiocese of Onitsha.

The event, which aimed to seek divine guidance and protection for families, the state and the country, began with a thanksgiving mass. It was presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, the Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, and celebrated on his behalf by the chaplain of the Catholic Men Organisation, the Reverend Father Sampson Ogbuebuna.

In a sermon delivered by Fr Ogbuebuna on behalf of the Archbishop, under the theme “Lighting the Faith”, Catholic fathers were urged to “take back their families” and lead them towards a renewed commitment to God. The Archbishop stressed that fathers have a responsibility to guide their households with discipline, compassion and integrity, which he described as essential values for social stability.

According to the message, the Archbishop warned that a society lacking moral conscience and reverence for God risks moral decline. He reminded the congregation that men were created as custodians of the world and should not abandon that responsibility at a time when social, economic and political pressures continue to affect many communities.

The Archbishop’s message also reflected on the importance of prayer, noting that in earlier times, collective prayer by men played a significant role in shaping moral leadership and social order. He expressed concern that a decline in responsible leadership has contributed to injustice, insecurity and rising political and economic tensions.

During the rally, a special candlelight prayer session was held for Catholic fathers. Fr Ogbuebuna led prayers for peace and security, calling for protection against criminal activities, including kidnapping and terrorism, as well as corruption in public life. He also prayed for the leadership of the Church, the Archbishop and his priests, as well as for Nigeria’s political leaders, asking that peace, freedom and progress prevail in the country.

Addressing participants after the mass, the President General of the Catholic Men Organisation in the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Sir (Hon) Evarist Uba, thanked Archbishop Okeke for his continued support of the annual prayer rally. He also expressed appreciation to the fathers who attended the event in large numbers.

Uba announced that the Catholic Men Organisation’s library project at Shanahan University, Onitsha, would begin shortly. He urged members who had pledged financial contributions towards the project to fulfil their commitments.

The Chairman of the CMO Prayer Summit 2026, Sir Osy Praise Obadike, delivered the vote of thanks, commending participants for their strong turnout and commitment to the organisation’s activities. Senior officials present at the rally included the Deputy President General of the CMO, Brother Azuka Chukwunonyelu, and the Secretary General, Hon Casmir Izukanne.