The Tamale Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (CCW) has held its maiden summit to explore ways to build and foster relations amongst women groups for a stronger women apostolate in the Archdiocese.
The four-day summit, which ended in Tamale, involved activities including healing and deliverance services, workshops on the social teachings of the Catholic church, mentorship and networking, and a procession through some principal streets of Tamale where they called on the citizens for a peaceful general election amongst other critical deliberations.
It was on the theme: “Moving Together in Unity in Diversity with Strength in the Lord Towards a Synodal Church: The Role of the Catholic Woman”.
Participants included women groups such as the Ladies of Marshall, Christian Mothers’ Association, Ladies Auxiliary of Saint John International, Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus.
Dame Cecilia Asobayire, National President, Council of Catholic Women, speaking during the summit, emphasised need for mutual unity, peace and togetherness amongst the women groups in the Archdiocese.
She emphasised need for the women to leverage on their unique talent, charisma, gifts and competences to build a strong and vibrant church. “We have a common mission. We are called to spread the gospel. We are all missionaries” adding “Let us commit to fostering relationships, serving our groups, rooted in love and in service.”
Most Reverend Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, whose speech was read on his behalf by Very Reverend Father Hilary Pogbeyir, Vicar General, Catholic Archdiocese of Tamale, urged the CCW to encourage other women not to abandon their Catholic identity and faith.
He tasked them to make efforts to register all other women groups in the church including young girls.
He called on members of the CCW to encourage their children to demonstrate interest in the Catholic social teachings to ensure their holistic growth and development.
Mrs Clara Lamisi Weobong, Vice President, Tamale Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, encouraged the women to play active roles at their various parishes to enable the Council to contribute meaningfully to the overall development of the Archdiocese.
Mr Lawrence Karbo, Vice Chairman, Tamale Archdiocesan Laity Council, in a goodwill message, commended the CCW for organising the summit.
Madam Cecilia Asiedu, Methodist Women’s Fellowship Diocesan Chairperson of Tamale, encouraged the CCW to be bold and steadfast in their activities to enhance the spiritual and physical growth of the Catholic church.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Sir Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University for Development Studies with Dame Anna-Maria Fati Paul, a Gender Specialist, as the Co-chair.