News Details

Catholic families in the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province on Saturday, October 25, 2025, converged at the Abeokuta Diocesan Pilgrimage Centre for the Families at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ewupe, for the Provincial Jubilee of Hope Celebrations for the Families.

The spiritual programme has as its theme, "Families, hope in the Lord for Renewal and Strength. (Isaiah 40:31), featured exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, rosary, talk, angelus and Holy Mass.

In his homily at the programme, the Chief host and Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, emphasized that marriage is a path to holiness, saying that the couples married to make heaven.

While describing family life as foundational and fundamental, because it is the family that produces priests, religious, politicians and people of different profession, the Bishop charged parents that they should not abandon their parental responsibilities on their children.

He added that they should make discipline, morals and fear of God their watch words, in? the training and upbringing of their children.

"As family, do not isolate your problems, anxieties, worries. Persevere, hold on to God, with your worries. Don't lose hope in your situations. Be courageous on the path to holiness.

Earlier, in the lecture titled, "Families as Pilgrims of Hope in a Changing Nigeria", Sir Emmanuel and Lady Helen Ebhomielen (KSJI), described family as the first school of love, the foundation of faith, and the place where hope is born anew each morning.

They said every family must be called back to its original position, follow Christ, positing that "in this call, every family is invited to rediscover its purpose, walk together in hope, grow in holiness, and reflect the light of Christ in a world longing for peace".

They said, "children learn about God not only from what the parents say, but from what they do. Parents are their first teachers of faith, and their lives are the first gospel their children read".

While emphasizing that parenting is a sacred responsibility, they lamented that many parents have handed over their duties to others.

They said, "parents, especially mothers should carry the sacred duty of passing on virtues such as honesty, diligence, patience, and faith.

"Families must remain places of
guidance and support to their children. Parents should know what their children watch, who they talk to, and how they spend their time. We can only guide them if we are present---if we talk, listen, and pray together. This is how we plant seeds of hope for the future".

Moral and spiritual renewal begins at home, good values are not inherited; they are taught,
lived, and reinforced daily.

"Christian families must reflect Gospel values in their workplaces, schools, and communities. The world should see in us what it means to follow Christ--through integrity, compassion, and service".