The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Reverend Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, has charged newly inaugurated executives of the Catholic Men Organisation,CMO, in the diocese to discharge their duties diligently, with particular emphasis on evangelisation.
The bishop gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony, held at St Theresa Catholic Church, Ayedun, Akure, at the weekend, stressing that effective evangelism requires close collaboration between the executives and parish priests.
He prayed that God would guide and support the new leaders and their families as they mentor parishioners across the diocese.
The new CMO President is Mr Omokungbe Olusegun Moses of Ore parish, while Ambassador Olofinusi of St Gregory’s Catholic Church, Ile Oluji, and Mr Innocent Oshimi of St Stephen’s Catholic Church, Owo, emerged as Vice-Presidents I and II.
Other newly inaugurated officers include Smile Igbekele, General Secretary; Sir Raphael Akinmurele, Assistant General Secretary; Mr Christian Okafor, Treasurer; Mr Eugene Abari, Auditor; Mr Peter Adekolu, Organising Secretary and Barrister Patrick Fasuhan as Legal Adviser.
Ambassador Ambrose Ogedengbe and Dr Olusegun Taiwo were named Ex-Officio members, while Catechist Innocent Esifo, Engineer George Akoko, Catechist Andrew Ayegbusi and Mr Joseph Ategbe were appointed zonal coordinators. Dr Patrick Oludare was named patron.
In his maiden address, Omokungbe thanked Bishop Arogundade; the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr Dominic Adeosu; the diocesan chaplain, Very Rev. Fr John Fawohunre, and others for the opportunity to serve, pledging that his team would work to move the organisation forward.
He sought the support of parish priests, members and immediate past executives, expressing confidence that the organisation would succeed with collective effort.
Earlier, the diocesan chaplain, Very Rev. Fr Fawohunre, urged the new executives to work closely with priests, while Dr Oludare, on his appointment as patron, said the strength of the church depended largely on a solid foundation for the Catholic Men Organisation, advising members to appear in the organisation’s uniform at official functions.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates of appointment to the patron and certificates of merit to members of the immediate past executive.