Responsible Christian Fatherhood Must Shape Families, Church, and Society — CMON National President
By Emmanuel Enebeli
WARRI/Nigeria: The National President of the Catholic Men Organization of Nigeria (CMON), Prince Faith Uche Iwuorisha, JP, KSM, has charged fathers across the country to embrace responsible Christian fatherhood as a sacred duty, emphasizing that fathering is not merely a social role, but a spiritual calling that must be nurtured with dedication, discipline, and love.
In his message on occasion of the 2025 Fathers’ Day celebration held on Sunday, May 4, Iwuorisha described the occasion as a joyful opportunity to honour the unique role of fathers in the family, the Church, and the broader society. He urged all Christian fathers to emulate St. Joseph, the patron saint of the organization, by reflecting deeply on the responsibilities of fatherhood and living out their calling with integrity.
“We have gathered once again to celebrate the joy of fatherhood and to reflect on our responsibilities as fathers,” Iwuorisha said. “From this year’s theme, ‘Responsible Christian Fatherhood,’ it is clear that our role as fathers is our most important project. We are setting in motion individual lives that will carry the imprint of our fatherhood across generations.”
He noted that becoming a good father is not automatic, but rather a process that demands time, intentional effort, and commitment. “We must be willing to invest in this our most important job as diligently as we would pursue any professional career,” he said.
Drawing attention to the qualities of a true Christian father, Iwuorisha said leadership, accountability, discipline, and love must define the conduct of men in their homes and communities. He reminded fathers that their example shapes the spiritual, emotional, and moral foundations of their children and society.
“Responsible Christian fatherhood means treating our children the way God treats us — with high standards, loving protection, affectionate understanding, readiness to forgive, and an unfailing love,” he emphasized.
He also aligned the celebration with the message of Pope Francis in this year’s Jubilee, encouraging Christian fathers to be agents of renewed faith and hope in a world burdened by confusion and despair.
As he concluded his address, the CMON National President expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and fatherhood and extended warm wishes to all fathers across the nation, urging them to remain steadfast in faith and committed to their God-given duties.
“Happy Fathers’ Day to you all,” he said, beaming with hope for a generation of fathers who understand their calling and rise to fulfil it.
