THE MASSES ADVOCATE Trinitarian Celebration Crowns Archdiocesan Family Summit in Benin City*

*Trinitarian Celebration Crowns Archdiocesan Family Summit in Benin City* 

 *-By Ruben Mario Brodrick* 

Benin City, Edo State –

 The 2025 Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) Archdiocesan Family Summit concluded on Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2025, with a profound Trinitarian Eucharistic celebration, reinforcing the core tenets of Christian faith and community unity.

 The closing ceremony was held at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ukhegie Street, off ICE Road, in the Benin City Deanery, hosted by the parish of the Archdiocesan President, Sir Barr. Austin Odigie.

Mr. Matthew Esele, Chairman of the Planning Committee, delivered a heartfelt closing address, expressing immense gratitude for the successful culmination of the Family Summit.

 He extended special appreciation to the host Augustinian Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Uju, OSA, and to the chief celebrant and visiting priest, Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwngbenu.

 Father Onwngbenu, who also serves as the Archdiocesan Director of Justice Development and Peace Commission, celebrated the Liturgy. Mr. Esele also thanked all CMO members from various parishes who attended, as well as the welcoming parishioners of St. Augustine Parish.

The committee also took the opportunity to honor the benefactors of the Family Summit, presenting them with awards of appreciation for their significant contributions that ensured the success of this second edition of the event.

In his address, Mr. Esele offered a prayer for the Archdiocesan CMO President, Sir Barr. Austin Odigie, KSP, who was unavoidably absent due to health reasons, wishing him a quick recovery and good health.

The Mystery of the Holy Trinity: A Call to Unity and Giving

Earlier in the day, before the men gathered for a Thanksgiving for the summit's successful outcome, Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwngbenu delivered a powerful homily on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Year C (June 15, 2025).

Father Onwngbenu began by inviting the faithful to join the heavenly host in proclaiming, "Glory to the Trinity, the undivided unity of Father, Son, and Spirit—one God from whom all life and goodness flow." He emphasized that the Holy Trinity, a foundational doctrine of Christianity, transcends intellectual comprehension, teaching us of "three distinct Persons in one God, each sharing the same Divine Nature, co-equal and co-eternal." 

He explained that while this profound truth of "1+1+1 = 1" defies human logic, it is embraced with the heart.

He expounded on the divine roles: the Father as Creator, the Son as Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as Sanctifier and Counselor. He highlighted that the doctrine, though not explicitly detailed, is woven throughout the biblical narrative and affirmed by the teachings of Jesus, the Church Fathers, and the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople.

Referencing the day's readings, Onwngbenu drew from Proverbs, where Wisdom proclaims its eternal existence alongside God, underscoring that the divine plan was crafted in communion. 

From St. Paul's letter to the Romans, he reminded the faithful that through Jesus Christ, they have received the Holy Spirit, which pours the love of the Father into their hearts—a living, transformative reality. In the Gospel, Jesus articulates the Holy Spirit's role in guiding us into all truth, teaching and sanctifying us, showcasing the Trinity's unified action in creation, redemption, and sanctification.

 Onwngbenu stressed that the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit calls believers to foster unity within their own communities. "Just as the Trinity exemplifies perfect harmony and collaboration, we are called to foster unity within our communities. 

This means removing barriers that breed disunity and promoting collaboration in our endeavors," he preached.

He then connected the Trinitarian mystery to the sacramental life, noting that baptism is done in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; confirmation imparts the Holy Spirit; marriage reflects God's unity and love; priestly ordination receives grace through the Trinity; and burial is in the hope of the Trinity's promise of eternal life.

A Call to Trinitarian Giving

 Onwngbenu concluded by urging attendees to participate in the "divine economy of giving." Just as the Father gives life, the Son gives Himself for redemption, and the Holy Spirit gives gifts for sanctification, he called on the faithful to give of their time, talents, and love. He emphasized that acts of kindness and willingness to serve embody the self-giving love of God, serving as a powerful witness to the unity and love of the Triune God in a world often marked by selfishness and division.

He concluded by encouraging everyone to embody the spirit of giving, strive to create communities mirroring the Trinity's unity, and become instruments of peace, reconciliation, and love. He ended with a powerful invocation: "Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!" and wished everyone a blessed Sunday filled with the grace of the Holy Trinity.

Earlier, the Chief celebrant had extended a warm welcome to the Catholic Men, wishing them success in their programme.