Faith in Action: St. Augustine Parish Fathers Charged to Lead Civic Change, Strengthen Family Bonds


 -By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

In a powerful convergence of faith and social responsibility, the 2026 Father’s Day celebration at St. Augustine Parish in Benin City served as a clarion call for Catholic men to step out of the shadows and into the forefront of national transformation. 

Under the timely theme, "Civic Engagement of Christian Fathers as Agents of Change for Good Governance," the event transcended mere celebration, challenging men to integrate their spiritual values into the looming political landscape of Edo State and Nigeria.

 The tone for the day was set by the Parish Chairman of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Mr. Henry Okhe, who reminded the assembly that a just and responsible society is built on the active participation of its fathers. 

He emphasized that good governance is not a product of chance but the result of consistent actions guided by Christian virtues, urging all men to be decisive and principled in the forthcoming general elections to ensure a future of integrity. 

This sentiment was echoed by the Vice President of the Parish Laity Council, Mr. Eluxius Epumepu, who passionately argued that Catholic men must "make their faith public."

 By refusing to leave the political arena to corrupt actors and instead leading with the Catholic social teaching of selfless love, Mr. Epumepu noted that fathers can become the ultimate agents of change through deliberate, positive action.

 Spiritual nourishment for the occasion was provided by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Uju, OSA, whose homily balanced a celebration of fatherly sacrifice with a firm reminder of the duties inherent in the role. 

Drawing from the biblical appointment of the seven deacons, Fr. Uju redefined fatherhood as a vocation of service, candidly stating that any man who neglects his family responsibilities is a "weakling." He offered a touching defense of fathers as great disciplinarians, explaining that what children often perceive as sternness is actually a profound love aimed at ensuring their future success.

 The Priest further moved the congregation by applauding the men for the "odd works" and silent sacrifices they endure to provide for their households, while gently reminding wives that these men need appreciation and support rather than nagging.
​However, the day also carried a message of accountability. 

The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Uwaige-Ero, while showering praise on the women of the parish for their massive support during the social festivities, expressed disappointment at the male attendance figures, pointedly urging the men to "put their house in order."

 Despite this, the celebration remained hopeful, as Fr. Uju concluded by describing St. Augustine Parish as a "home of transformation," where the CMO serves as a forge for character. 

He noted that the typical social vices born of male negligence are nowhere to be found in the parish, as joining the CMO has consistently turned men into more responsible, loving, and civic-minded pillars of the community.

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