Clergy Urges Christian Couples to Rebuild God-Fearing Families
By Hilary John
Christian couples have been urged to strengthen their homes with God-fearing values as a pathway to rebuilding society.
The call was made during the maiden Holy Family Association Convention of the Catholic Diocese of Jalingo.
Delivering his homily, Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, who also doubles as the Taraba State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), warned that attacks on family values pose serious threats to society.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Williams Awoshiri
He said any society that destroys its family structure ultimately destroys morality, ethics, and cultural heritage.
“What is happening in the world today is an attempt to weaken and kill society by first destroying the family,” he said.
“Once you dismantle the family, morality collapses. Many trends being promoted globally go against divine order and the traditional values that hold families together.”
Fr. Awoshiri commended the diocesan initiative, noting that the three-day convention aims to restore morality and strengthen family life.
Quoting from the Gospel of Luke 21:34–36, he urged Christians to remain vigilant, steadfast, and prayerful amid modern challenges.
He encouraged participants not to be discouraged by the low turnout, but to return to their parishes and serve as examples of Christ-centered family life.
“From the name ‘Holy Family,’ we are called to be light in our homes, communities, and the wider society,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, the chairman of the association, Prof. Anthony D. Bature of Taraba State University, appreciated the Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Charles Michael Hammawa, for his support.
He also thanked Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters, and all participants for their commitment.
He emphasized that the goal of the convention is to encourage families to model their lives after Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Speaking after the event, the diocesan chaplain, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Colman, highlighted the importance of the Holy Family Association in guiding married couples.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Colman
He said the association teaches Christian virtues, conflict resolution, and effective parenting—factors he described as essential for building a stable society.
He added that further catechesis will be carried out through the print media to address family-related issues.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Muke delivered a paper on the significance of the association, stressing the promotion of strong Christian family values, prayer, love, mutual respect, and harmony within the home.
