Catholic Men's Evangelization Fundraiser Draws Generous Support, Calls for Humility.

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

​Benin City, Edo State—The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Archdiocese of Benin City recently hosted a deeply significant and well-attended 2025 Evangelization Fund Raising/Harvest Thanksgiving service at the historic Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road. The event was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, drawing Catholic Men, their families, and numerous benefactors united by a common commitment to advancing the Church's missionary efforts.

​A Call for Humility and Self-Evaluation from the Archbishop

​The highlight of the day was the Holy Mass, celebrated by the Archdiocesan CMO Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Omogiate, who eloquently represented the Metropolitan Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. Austin O. Akubeze.

​In a potent homily that resonated with the congregation, Archbishop Akubeze, speaking through Fr. Omogiate, issued a profound spiritual challenge. He called on the faithful to avoid the destructive temptation of dwelling on the sins of others, urging them instead to focus on sincere self-evaluation.

​Fr. Omogiate stressed the essence of a Christian life:

​"Be humble when you pray, avoid self-righteousness, avoid the gathering of gossips of people."

​He also commended the Catholic Men for their past evangelization successes, particularly their impactful outreach in rural communities, describing the CMO's core work as fundamentally "an act of mission, an act of winning souls to the kingdom of God." This set the spiritual foundation for the subsequent appeal for financial support.

​🏆 Honoring the Pillars of Mission

​The spirit of generosity was further elevated by the presentation of prestigious awards to dedicated members. The awards, conferred by the Chaplain, recognized varying levels of sacrificial commitment to the mission. The categories presented were the Pillar of Evangelization Award, the Ambassador for Evangelization Award, and the Episcopal Medal Award.

​Awardees received their honours with gratitude, reciprocating the recognition by immediately demonstrating their commitment through significant support to the Evangelization fund.

​🤝 Gratitude and a Vow of Continuous Support

​The Archdiocesan CMO President, Sir Barr Austin Odigie, led the organization in a heartfelt vote of thanks. He specially appreciated His Grace, Archbishop Akubeze, the Chaplain Rev Fr Dr Charles Omogiate, and the Cathedral Administrator, Very Rev Fr James Ogbeiwe, for their invaluable logistical and spiritual guidance throughout the planning of the event.

​A defining moment was the specific acknowledgment of Distinguished Senator Roland Owie. Senator Owie, known as a staunch benefactor for various evangelization works in the Archdiocese, graced the fundraiser in person—an act highlighted by the President for its humility.

​Senator Owie, full of joy for the honour, responded in his traditional, prayerful style by dedicating a song to the Blessed Virgin Mary, describing her as his "source of help" in carrying out God's work. The Senator firmly vowed to continue his steadfast promotion of the CMO’s work of mission.

​The CMO concluded by offering congratulations to all award recipients and reinforcing the call for sustained support for their vital missionary work.