By Chinedum Treasure
The Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia, has urged women to live lives they would be proud of tomorrow and become guardians of human dignity and peace.
Dunia gave the charge during the annual Provincial Conference of the Catholic Women Organisation of Nigeria, Benin Province (CWONBEP), held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Afasho/Afowa Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
In his homily at the opening Pontifical Holy Mass, the bishop reflected on the story of the prodigal son, noting that the elder son’s anger over his father’s acceptance of his brother could be likened to leaders who expect rewards for their service to humanity.
He said God, who sees the hearts of all, knows the good each person does and would reward everyone accordingly.
On the role of mothers, Dunia said women nurture, guide and train children from infancy to become useful members of society, regardless of available material resources.
He urged women to use their positions to make decisions capable of building a better society.
The Provincial President of CWO, Benin Province, Dr. Lady Perekebina Berezi, described the 2026 conference theme, “Magnifica Humanitas: Women As Guardians of Dignity and Peace,” as timely, particularly amid the nation’s security challenges.
The Chancellor of Auchi Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Attashie, in his keynote address, also charged women to protect their children from danger, stressing that a woman of dignity is a woman of peace.
The four-day conference attracted more than 3,000 women from the six dioceses in Benin Province: Benin, Warri, Iselle-Uku, Bomadi, Auchi and Uromi.
Highlights included an annual general assembly, award presentations, Rosary procession, singing and quiz competitions, and a gala night.
Auchi Diocese won the singing competition, followed by Uromi and Warri, while Benin Archdiocese emerged first in the quiz competition, with Iselle-Uku and Bomadi taking second and third positions respectively.
Tags: Catholic Church, Women, Auchi Diocese, Edo State
