The Catholic Men Organization (CMO) of Holy Rosary Parish, Wuse, Abuja, on Sunday, 3rd May, ended their 2026 Father’s Day activities with a solemn and inspiring Eucharistic celebration, brought to it’s climax during the homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Franklin, a visiting priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri.
The homily began with his call for a thunderous ovation from the congregation in recognition and appreciation of fathers in the parish, and their indispensable roles in the family, the Church, and society.
Drawing lessons from the day’s Gospel reading, taken from the Holy Gospel according to St. John (14: 1-6), with the theme, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” Rev. Fr. Franklin called on the parishioners to cultivate a deeper and more personal relationship with Christ.
He emphasized that fostering such relationship enable Christian faithful to partake fully in the fruits and attributes of Christ, by letting Him guide their daily lives.
He urged Christians to shun lifestyles that could hinder their journey toward eternal life and good child upbringing, stressing the importance of consistently seeking truth in all circumstances.
According to him, the truth of Christ remains steadfast, sacrosanct, and unchanging, regardless of life’s challenges.
“Where do you get your own life from?” he asked, prompting deeper reflection among the faithful, while encouraging them not to let their hearts be troubled, no matter the circumstances.
Pointedly addressing fathers more specifically, Rev. Fr. Franklin charged them to remain present and actively involved in their family activities and programmes, especially in their children upbringing, stressing that Catholic fathers should fully imbibe the invitation by Christ, especially as He promised to bring them to His father’s house where there are many rooms.
The Priest, who is on academic pursuit at the Veritas University, Abuja, also cautioned against fathers abandoning their responsibilities or shifting them to their spouses or other persons, underscoring that the role of fathers as a pillar of faith, guidance and stability in the homes, remains unchanging and must be preserved and protected.
At a reception after the Mass, hosted by the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the parish, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Kale Francis, who concelebrated the Holy Eucharist with Fr. Franklin, commended the leadership of the CMO for the innovations introduced in the organization’s activities.
He encouraged them not to relent in their efforts, urging all fathers to remain committed to their responsibilities as good husbands to their wives, and loving fathers to their children.
In his opening address, President of the Parish CMO, Dr. Paul Ihensekhien, gave a brief account of the activities of his executive committee, including the introduction of monthly keep-fit exercises and aerobics, stressing that they were part of the activities to improve the health and well-being of their members.
While calling for greater membership registration from all men in the parish, Dr. Ihensekhien gave a vivid account of the tasks already executed by the CMO, including support to various church programmes and sponsorship of several projects.
The celebration served both as a moment of appreciation and as renewed call to commitment for fathers to lead their families in truth, love, and faith.
*Pictures of the Mass and reception splash were captured by Bros. James Atusue, Kelvin Odo, Nicholas Okechukwu and Malachy Uzendu.
*All Male Lay Readers at mass during the 2026 Fathers’ Day Celebration.
*All Male Lay Readers at mass during the 2026 Fathers’ Day Celebration.
Priests and all Fathers Mass Servers stepping out from the front church balcony into the Church for the Fathers’ Day 2026 Mass
*The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Kale Francis, during the introductory rites at mass during the 2026 Fathers’ Day celebration.
*President of the Parish CMO, Sir (Dr.) Paul Ihensekhien (right front row) and some of the prominent members of the Parish CMO at mass during the 2026 Fathers’ Day Celebration.
*Sir (Dr.) Paul Ihensekhien (right front row) with other members and executive of the Parish CMO at mass during the 2026 Fathers’ Day celebration.
*All Male Lay Readers at mass during the 2026 Fathers’ Day Celebration.
*The Mass Servers and Lay Readers shortly after the 2026 Fathers’ Day celebration mass.
*The Mass Servers in a photograph after the 2026 Fathers’ Day celebration mass.
*Some members of the Parish CMO in a pose after the mass.
*Mr. Kelvin Odo, a member of the Parish Communications Committee and one of the Mass Servers with well-wishers (also members of the CMO of the Parish), shortly after the Fathers Day celebration mass.
*Chairman of the Parish Communications Committee, Sir James Atusue, and two other members of the Committee during the 2026 Fathers’ Day celebration.
*R-L: The Catechist, Sir James Atusue, Chief Nicholas Okechukwu, Chief (Barr.) Malachy Uzendu, and Mr. Kelvin Odo during the 2026 Fathers’ Day Celebration.
*Some members of the Parish CMO, Parish Communication Committee members, and officiating priests in a pose with Bro Kelvin in a selfie, during the celebration.
*The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Kale Francis (standing); President of the Parish CMO, Sir (Dr.) Paul Ihensekhien (sitting on his left), and other dignitaries and CMO leaders on the high table during the reception after the mass.