The Parish Priest of St. Jude Catholic Church, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, Reverend Father Gabriel Odin has urged the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos to care for their family members like St. Joseph who humbled himself before the Lord and was useful to humanity during his life on earth.

The parish priest who spoke at the yearly event to mark the feast of CMO’s Patron Saint, St. Joseph, the worker, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus Christ said that Joseph cared for Jesus when He was a little child until He grew to maturity. He, therefore, asked members of the organisation to work hard and train their children so that their children would care for them when they are old.

According to him, the Catholic men are the pillars of the church and should do well to support the development of the church.

Odin said: “I pray for you today as you strive to survive may God protect and bless you so that you can eat the fruits of your labour. May you never work in vain. I pray that God will bless works of your hands.”

The Chairman of CMO, St. Jude Catholic Church, Mr. Virginus Ikwuka, while quoiting the National President Catholic Men Organisation Nigeria (CMON), Prince Faith Uche Iwuorisha, said the programme was to celebrate the joy of fatherhood and honour fathers for their great responsibilities and responsiveness in the family, as well as the church and society at large.

Ikwuka said: “The life of our Patron Saint, Joseph is a precept for us and worthy of emulation as core example of ideal father.”

He stated that the yearly event provided CMO members the opportunity to reflect and re-examine themselves on the roles of fathers at home, church and societies/organisation where they belong and serve as role models at every capacity.