THE MASSES ADVOCATE. Holy Spirit Ignites Benin Catholic Family Summit: Unity and Renewal Take Center Stage* *-By Ruben Mario Brodrick*

*Holy Spirit Ignites Benin Catholic Family Summit: Unity and Renewal Take Center Stage* 

 *-By Ruben Mario Brodrick* 

Benin City, Edo State –

 The Catholic Men Organization (CMO) of the Archdiocese of Benin City has officially launched the second annual CMO Family Summit 2025, marking its grand opening on Pentecost Sunday with an unexpected and significant show of solidarity from the Archdiocesan Catholic Women Organisation (CWO). 

The week-long event, aimed at fortifying family bonds and societal values, began with a spirit-filled Holy Mass that emphasized the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

The inaugural Mass, held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Idokpa, along the Benin-Auchi expressway, saw the Chief Celebrant and Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Everest Nwankwor, extend a heartfelt welcome to both the Catholic Men and Women. Fr. Nwankwor, who also serves as the Chaplain of the Archdiocesan Laity Council, used the occasion of Pentecost Sunday to pray for increased family unity, guided by divine grace.

In his poignant homily, Fr. Nwankwor reminded the faithful of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, which "will teach his followers all things." He stressed that this profound guidance is only attainable when believers remain undistracted by worldly concerns.

 "Without the Holy Spirit," he declared, "you are only going to be described as an unfinished project." He cautioned attendees about the inevitable trials and temptations that may arise when one fully embraces the Holy Spirit's influence.

Furthermore, Fr. Nwankwor urged families not to be disheartened by a lack of immediate appreciation for their efforts within the Church, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith, for their "reward will come externally." 

He powerfully warned against consciously resisting the Holy Spirit's activities, asserting that "a Christian who does not possess the Holy Spirit is a powerless Christian." 

Conversely, he affirmed that with the Holy Spirit, the faithful are "unstoppable," while those "without the Holy Spirit cannot even give praises to God."

Messages of goodwill resonated throughout the opening ceremony. Barr. Melody Ogunsuyi, Vice President of the CMO in the Archdiocese of Benin City, addressed the gathering in the unavoidable absence of Archdiocesan President, Barr. Austin Odigie. 

Mr. Matthew Esele, Benin City Deanery CMO President and Chairman of the Family Summit Committee, shared optimistic insights with "The Masses Advocate" reporter. 

He expressed strong hope for the summit's core objective: to build stronger families, mitigate crises that lead to family breakdowns, and ultimately reshape societal values for the better.

The 2025 CMO Family Summit is poised to be a comprehensive and engaging event.

 Upcoming highlights include an Archdiocesan Interface featuring the CMO, CWO, and Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON). 

A key component will be a symposium with distinguished guest speakers, including Mrs. Ejiro Eze, a Social Psychologist, and Dr. A.I. Lawani, a Consultant at the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City. 

These sessions will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Archbishop Ebosele Ekpu Road.
The summit's agenda also promises vibrant activities such as the finals of the Senator Bernard Neda Imasuen Football Competition and a Cultural Dancing Competition, both to be held at St. Paul Minor Seminary Field. 

The culminating event will be a Con-celebrated Mass led by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City Metropolitan See, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, off ICE Road, Ukhegie, where deserving personalities will be honored with awards.

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