Fathers Day: Men urged to embrace Courageous and Responsible Leadership

*Courageous and Responsible Leadership: Nigerian Catholic Men Celebrated and Challenged on Father's Day* 

 *Benin City, Nigeria* - As Catholic communities across Nigeria recently observed Father's Day, a strong call was issued to men within the Church to embody courageous and responsible leadership in their homes and in the broader society.

 The Very Rev Fr Dr Matthew Onalugho, OSA, the Prior of the Augustinian Community in Benin City, delivered this significant message during his homily at St Augustine Catholic Church.

Drawing inspiration from the Apostle Peter, Fr Onalugho urged Catholic men to be bold and take initiative.

 However, he also cautioned against excessive impulsiveness, reminding them of Peter's three denials of Jesus. He underscored the critical responsibility of fathers to nurture and care for their wives and children, drawing a parallel to Jesus' instruction to Peter to tend to his sheep.

"If you cannot take care of your immediate family, how can you cater for the needs of the society?" Fr Onalugho questioned, emphasizing the foundational role of familial responsibility. He specifically addressed the Catholic Men Organisation, who were central to the Father's Day celebration, urging them to actively demonstrate profound love and commitment to their families, rejecting any "I don't care" attitude. He stressed that it is the father's duty to ensure the family prays together and that their needs are adequately met.

Acknowledging a prevalent challenge, Fr Onalugho lamented how money can sometimes become a source of division within families. He encouraged men to consistently pray for God's provision for their families' daily needs.

Adding her voice to the occasion, Mrs. Rosy Gaius Obaseki, the wife of the former GMD of NNPC, spoke as a guest speaker during the Father's Day social celebration. Her lecture, titled "Responsible Christian Fatherhood," reinforced the vital need for fathers to take charge of the home. Sharing personal experiences, Mrs. Obaseki emphasized that a father's responsibility extends beyond financial support to include the crucial impartation of spiritual and moral values to their children. "If God has blessed you with children, you must take care of the children," she declared.

The Father's Day celebration at St Augustine Parish was marked by the active participation of men in the Mass, including serving roles, and a special blessing with anointing oil. The festivities also included a range of engaging activities such as cultural and contemporary dance performances, treats of popcorn and ice cream for children, music, and the highly anticipated annual zonal cooking competition among men, aptly named "Men can cook too." 

The event served as a time for reflection, spiritual enrichment, and community bonding.

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