CWO Welcomes New Members, Children Receive Christ

63 women were officially inducted into the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Epe.
25 children received their First Holy Communion during the same special Mass celebration.
The event featured a spiritually moving homily and was officiated by key representatives from the Archdiocese and CWO leadership.

A spiritually uplifting Mass was held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Epe, as 25 children received their First Holy Communion and 63 women were formally inducted into the Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria (CWO).

Ekohotblog reports that presided over by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ugoje, the celebration brought together the entire parish community in a display of unity, growth, and faith.

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The newly inducted women were each decorated with medals of commitment, signifying their formal acceptance into the CWO body and their readiness to serve in love and humility.

In his homily, Fr. Ugoje emphasized the sacredness of the Holy Eucharist and urged all communicants to approach it with reverence and reflection.

“The Eucharist is what makes a Holy Mass,” he preached. “This is what we turn to when a person is ill. It is what the children who are here dressed in white today are receiving for the first time.”

He further stressed the need for purity of heart, saying, “The Holy Communion must be received with reverence and in a state of grace. Christ said,

‘This is my body, this is my blood’,not a representation. We receive Christ truly present.”

Encouraging the faithful to renew their spiritual fervor, he said, “I want each and every one of you to find that reverence if it has been lost and bring it back for Christ.”

The event also featured the official induction of the 63 new women into the Catholic Women Organisation, overseen by a high-powered delegation from the Catholic Women Organisation Lagos Archdiocese (CWONLA).

Those in attendance included:

Amb. Mrs. Esther Izokpu, Immediate Past Vice President, CWON

Lady Catherine Yoyinsade Alabi, President, CWONLA

Mrs. Elizabeth Uzu, Immediate Past Epe Deanery Coordinator & current CWONLA Social Secretary

Mrs. Agnes Asemitobire Ogbeide, Epe Deanery Coordinator

Speaking on the significance of the induction, Lady Catherine Alabi told the new members, “You are not just wearing a medal today; you are stepping into a life of prayer, community service, and spiritual leadership. The church is counting on you.”

Mrs. Ogbeide praised the enthusiasm and devotion of the inductees, saying, “Your dedication today strengthens the body of Christ and reflects the growing spirit of service among Catholic women in Epe.”

One of the new members, Mrs. Cecilia Arowolo, expressed her joy and sense of purpose: “Being inducted into CWO is a dream fulfilled. I feel spiritually empowered and ready to serve the church more faithfully.”

The church was filled with songs of thanksgiving, as family members and friends of both the inductees and first communicants gathered to witness the significant milestones. Dressed in sparkling white, the children processed joyfully to the altar, guided by their catechists and encouraged by a supportive congregation.

Parishioner Mrs. Janet Ogunlana, whose daughter received Holy Communion, said, “It is a proud and emotional moment for us. We’ve been preparing spiritually and emotionally, and today, our children are truly part of the body of Christ.”

The Mass concluded with a solemn blessing and joyful celebration outside the church, with plenty of photos, singing, and refreshments, marking a truly memorable day in the life of the parish.