Local Nigerian Catholics gathered at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington May 16 for the community’s inaugural Mass and to celebrate the launch of the Nigeria Catholic Women Organization
“It was a great experience to meet with fellow Nigerians and celebrate Mass with people of a common heritage and faith. This group is focused on celebrating our shared heritage and Catholic faith,” said Father Raymond Emedo reflecting on the first Mass for the newly formed Nigerian Catholic community and inauguration of the NCWO.
Filling the cathedral with the bright colors and patterns of Nigerian dresses and gele, the traditional Nigerian headdress, more than 100 Mass attendees celebrated the launch of the community with more than 200 joining the celebratory reception following Mass.
“It’s beautiful. We started as just a few people. Now we have grown. When we are together, we’re happy,” said Rose Akpati, one of the inaugural members.
The Mass was the first Nigerian cultural event hosted by the diocesan Office of Multicultural Ministries. Mass was celebrated by Father Emedo from the Archdiocese of Lagos now serving at St. James Church in Falls Church and studying at Divine Mercy University. Father Tochi Iwuji, director of the Office for Black Catholics in the Richmond diocese concelebrated. Members of the NCWO provided the music for the Mass.
The community began as a group of women who gathered regularly in prayer and community under their shared heritage.
“This journey began quietly, almost like a whisper, on Mother’s Day in 2024,” said Roselyn Obasi, president. “After Mass I sat and wondered: ‘Why don’t we have a Catholic Women Organization in our parish?’
“NCWO was born out of a desire to unite Nigerian Catholic women in faith, love, and service — to grow spiritually, to celebrate our rich culture, and to build a Christ-centered community rooted in the teachings of the church,” she said.
“Our goal was to bring together all these Catholic women from across the diocese,” said Adamma Omile, secretary for NCWO.
The Mass was followed by joyful celebration in Burke Hall to inaugurate more than 40 women into the organization. Tables filled with family and friends flanked both sides of the hall and a long, high table was set to one side. The inaugural members of the NCWO danced their way into the center of the hall to kick off the celebration and then gathered in a circle to be presented. They danced in the center accompanied by music and singing. The dancing continued throughout the evening.
One of the highlights of the reception was the Ezzine Award Ceremony, honoring four women.
“Ezinne,” which translates to “Good Mother” from Igbo, is an honorary title conferred on women who exemplify a life of faith and virtue and who aspire to follow the model of the Virgin Mary. The title was received by Ezinne Princess Philomena Desmond-Ogugua, Ezinne Dr. Adamma Omile, Ezinne Florence Nwachukwu and Ezinne Lolo Bridget Amalu.
The women of the NCWO particularly seek to emulate the Blessed Mother, her humility, obedience, and love for God. The organization’s motto is “Through Mary, we succeed!” The group regularly gathers via Zoom to pray the rosary and other prayers.
“This Mass reminds us of God’s presence in our midst,” said Father Emedo in his homily. “As we celebrate our faith as a community of Nigerians and the Ascension of the Lord, Christ reminds us that we are not alone. He is with us on our journey. He is with us in every circumstance of our life and that presence assures us of his support. Our celebration today is another means, therefore, of supporting each other.”
The women of the NCWO are committed to just that, supporting each other through a sisterhood that is centered in prayer and focused on serving the community and families as women of faith. Passing on both their Nigerian heritage and Catholic faith to their children is a core goal for the women.
“We want to make sure the younger generation, our girls, are part of what we do,” said Omile.
“And most importantly, we look to the future — our daughters,” said Obasi. “The organization is open to every Catholic, 18 and above. We welcome you to join us. We are committed to raising you, guiding you and standing as examples for you all. To show you what it means to be women of faith, strength, dignity and virtue.”
Members of the Nigerian Catholic community will participate in the Marian Procession and Mass at the June 13 Diocesan Festival: Celebrating Faith+Freedom. They will also participate in the upcoming Mass for Multicultural Communities Aug. 30.
“Today we begin the journey together to proclaim our faith, to share the abundance of our heritage as Nigerians but also to contribute to spreading the Good News here, in the Diocese of Arlington,” said Father Emedo.
Find out more
For more info, go to arlingtondiocese.org/multicultural-ministries or email the Nigerian Catholic community at [email protected].
