CMO at 25: Catholic Men of Benin City Archdiocese Converge for Landmark Leadership Retreat for Silver Jubilee/Election Kick-off

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

In a powerful and historic demonstration of faith, the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) of the Archdiocese of Benin City gathered in large numbers at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 96 Sapele Road, for a high-profile Leadership Retreat. This pivotal gathering served as a dual milestone, marking the organization’s prestigious 25th-anniversary celebrations and the formal commencement of the 2026 Archdiocesan Election process for a new Executive body. 

The day commenced at 9:00 am with a solemn atmosphere of spiritual preparation, as members engaged in the registration process followed by a communal Rosary recitation and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, ensuring that the deliberations of the day were rooted in a state of grace.

The spiritual and intellectual centerpiece of the retreat was a profound lecture delivered by the Very Rev. Fr. Jerome Idebe, the Vicar for Laity of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City. Speaking on the theme "The Task of Leadership: Be an Example to the Believers," Fr. Idebe drew extensively from 1 Timothy 4:12 and 1 Peter 5:1–4 to redefine the concept of authority within the Church. 

He reminded the men that Christian leadership is not a platform for personal ego, the rewarding of friends, or the exercise of "dictatorial" power, but a sacred vocation of service delivery motivated by love and obedience. He challenged the CMO members to emulate the "Joshua Attitude"—declaring spiritual leadership over their households by stating "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"—and to follow the silent, powerful example of their patron, St. Joseph, through moral integrity and decisive action.

Fr. Idebe further emphasized that the CMO must be at the forefront of evangelization in the Archdiocese, noting that a man’s financial support and professional skills are not just administrative contributions but are vital participations in the mission of Christ.

 He highlighted three essential biblical models: Abraham’s leadership in faith, Moses’ leadership in responsibility and patience, and St. Joseph’s quiet strength. Transitioning from the lecture to the pulpit during the celebration of the Holy Mass at noon, the Vicar for Laity offered a poignant reminder that the Church is "not a museum for saints but a clinic for sinners," urging the men to never close the door on others but to play their task in bringing people together in faith. He stressed that a true leader is a "father of the people" who possesses the moral courage to do what is right even when it is difficult.

The atmosphere of the retreat was further charged with the importance of the upcoming transition in leadership. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the Archdiocesan CMO President, Sir Barr. Austin Odigie, KSP, expressed immense excitement and gratitude.

 In his heartfelt vote of thanks, Sir Odigie likened Fr. Idebe’s presence to that of the Archbishop himself, given his strategic position as the Vicar for Laity, and noted that the sheer volume of questions from the participants was a clear proof that the message of "leadership as service" had been well digested. As part of the formal transition process, the session included the critical announcement and collection of Intent Forms and Attendance Cards, signaling a transparent, organized, and prayerful start to the electoral season.

The retreat concluded with a sense of renewed commitment and unity as the men moved to the final segment of group photography to document this milestone. Fr. Idebe’s final charge to the men was to remain "champions of different personalities of spirituality" and to lead in a way that would eventually earn them the "crown of unfading glory." 

As the CMO marks a quarter-century of existence, the leaders departed St. Gabriel the Archangel not just with administrative instructions, but with a spiritual roadmap to lead their families—the domestic church—and the wider society with the integrity, accountability, and Christ-like humility required of the "salt of the earth."