At the just concluded first Pastoral Council meeting for the year 2025, held on the 1st of February, the Catholic Bishop of Aba, Most Rev Augustine Ndubueze Echema, moved the motion for the placement of ban on the ubiquitous practice of ‘Award-giving Ceremonies’ in the diocese. This motion was cheered on by the Council members who, wholeheartedly, welcomed it and lobbied that it be extended to stay for at least a period of five (5) years from this year. This indicates that the moratorium is expected to last till 2030. Giving reasons for this initiative, His Lordship cited abuse and exploitation as the main factors leading to this ban. As discussed in the Council, members who supported the motion, recounted the incessant giving of awards to the ‘same people” every now and then all in the bid of raising money, not necessarily meritoriously. The idea of placing temporary ban on award-giving ceremonies is to create respite for our people who are burdened with these, many times, unnecessary plaques and trophies and tasked beyond their expectations and income.
The Council further discussed the disturbing issue of hosting Sodalities’ meetings at an exorbitant and high-end format which strains the financial muscle of parishes and these associations. The Bishop at the head, intimated the Council that the format of hosting priest’s recollection in the diocese has now been overhauled. The entertainment of priests during recollection has taken a new dimension downsizing to light refreshment instead of the conventional sumptuous meals. In like manner, the Bishop has requested, in a mandatory tone, that other Sodalities in the diocese should follow suit and adopt same pattern.
It is necessary that we pity our people, especially in these trying times, the Bishop said.
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