CYON Awka Diocese Celebrates 35th Youth Day

…Installs Patron, Patroness

By Adejumoke Alebiosu

It was a moment of euphoria in Awka, as the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) of the Catholic Diocese of Awka celebrated the 35th World Youth Day, 2021, reports Adejumoke Alebiosu.

The event which was held at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Nimo, Njikoka L.G.A., Anambra State, featured installation of patrons and patronesses by Most Rev Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, in recognition of their contributions to youth and societal development.

During the mass, the celebrant, Very Rev Fr Dr Peter Chudi Akaenyi, the Vicar General II, Awka Diocese, in his homily advised the youths of the diocese to have faith despite tribulations.

‘Though we are passing through rough times, it does not mean that God does not love us or has forgotten us,’ he said.

Most Rev Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor welcomed the dignitaries and members of CYON to the event and advised the youths to help one another in the area of evangelization

‘My Lenten Pastoral letter this year is geared towards the youth. We should do our best to bring the gospel to the youths, it is not just about the Holy Communion or Confirmation; we should also work on strategies to help these young people. I advise you get one copy of the book for yourself and read through,’ he said.

He also advised the Church, patrons and patronesses, to help the youths in what he described as a fast-changing world

In his message to the youths, Rev Fr Paschal Udo, Principal Chaplain, CYON, Awka Diocese, who expressed gratitude that the bishop declared the year for the youths, advised Anambra youths to know that they were leaders of today and not tomorrow.

‘Let the youths be guided by their decisions and choices of what they are doing. In no distant time, Anambra will be conducting gubernatorial election and youths of Anambra State must behave themselves very well, because their decision today can make or mar their future,’ He said

Among the awardees was Lady Sabina N. Ndigwe, Director, Catholic Women’S Organization (CWO), Awka Diocese, who was honoured as the grand patroness of the organization.

The high point of the event was the Cathedraticum by various deaneries in the diocese; cultural dances; march past competition, where Enugwu Ukwu Deanery came first; Awka Deanery, second, and Nimo Deanery third.