Activities of the Diocesan Chaplain and Sister Adviser with the Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Sokoto Diocese

The Diocesan Chaplain and Sister Adviser of Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Sokoto Diocese, 2021 till date - Rev. Sr. Comfort Okoro, O.P.

 

THE REPORT OF MY APOSTOLATE WITH THE CATHOLIC WOMEN ORGANIZATION (CWO) OF SOKOTO DIOCESE AS CHAPLAIN AND SISTER ADVISER

Sr. Mary-Comfort Okoro, OP was appointed the Chaplain of the Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria (CWON)  of Sokoto Diocese in 2018. In my state of confusion for lack of knowledge on how to begin, I was encouraged by the then Prioress General of my Congregation...Rev. Sr. Jacinta Nwaohiri, OP to embrace the responsibility with total trust in God and in His guiding providence.

I further sought directives from former Chaplains of different organizations who also gave me ideas of how to go about it. In myself, I completely surrendered to God in this ministry and resolved to put in my best to His service through journeying with every mother in the diocese of Sokoto as an individual and the umbrella society as a group.

Aims and Objectives

Its aim is to unite all Catholic Women of Nigeria in purpose, direction, and action in religious, educational, social, and economic fields. To unite all Catholic Women of Nigeria and direct them for the purposes of light, unity, love, and peace amongst them and all people

Motto:

 The motto of the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria ( CWON)  is “Light, Unity, Love, and Peace – This is illustrated by their logo which comprises a shield containing a catacomb and lantern over the mystical Rose of Our Lady, and both of them surmounted by the Cross of Jesus Christ.

Slogan: Through Mary our Mother........We succeed.

Levels of operation: The CWO operates in six (6) levels

A. Parish level

B. Deanery level, and

C. Diocesan level

D. Provincial level

E. National level

F. International level

Some of our activities:

A. Spiritual...We engage in spiritual exercises like Masses, reading the Holy Bible,  praying novenas, and organizing retreats and conventions meant for our upliftment.

B. Social.. we sing godly songs, dance and present comedies to make ourselves happy during conventions and other gatherings.

C. Therapeutic services... psychology healing, support, and encouragement through association and contact with one another.  We support one another in our difficulties.

D. Financial/  Economic support where necessary through monetary contributions, levies, and free-will donations.

E. Consolation and encouragement in case of sorrows and bereavements following Christ's injunction of mourning with those who mourn and laughing with those who laugh.

F. Philanthropy by visiting and supporting the poor and downtrodden in our society.

G. Educational..: Helping to educate poor children, brilliant children through building educational institutions or sponsoring them, etc.

My activities/achievements with CWON since 2018

A. Bi-annual Diocese Conference in 2018

 B. Yearly novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help with rosary procession held in November- December every year.

C. All the women in the parishes in the diocese partook in Rosary novena praying for the safe release of Monsignor Joseph Keke when he was kidnapped in May 2021.

D. Annual spiritual retreat for Women held in Funtua Katsina State between November 13th and 15th, 2021.

E. The official launching of the  Uniform for CWON of the diocese. 1st of its kind in the diocese since more than 55years of existence in November, 2021.

F. I join them in their meetings whenever it is convened.

G. Counselling and advisory services:  I offer my advice to them from time to time through God's inspiration when needed.

For them, l have made myself everything in the positive sense in order to be a servant-leader.

Challenges:

A. The multiple negative effects of COVID-19 Pandemic.

B. Distance between towns and cities in attending meetings within the diocese.

C. The increasing problem of insecurities in the Northwest zone where our diocese is sited.

Plans for the future:

A. Continuous trust in God's guidance and providence.

B. Encourage the women to be more spiritual-oriented in their modus operandi.

C  Encourage and work with our mothers to establish an NGO like a cooperative that will render support to many less privileged mother's and widows among us 1st and later to others

Appreciation:

My appreciations go to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto- Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, my past Prioress General- Rev. Sr. Jacinta Nwaohiri, OP, and my incumbent Prioress General- Rev. Sr. Justina Nnajioffor, OP for all their support. May God bless them abundantly.

Signed:

 

Sr. Mary-Comfort Okoro, OP

Diocesan Chaplain and Sr. Adviser.

December 12, 2021

 

 

 

Launching of Sokoto Diocese Catholic Women Organization (CWO) wrapper on November 14, 2021