By joshua 
Building Stronger Homes: St. Kizito CMO Kuje Hosts Inspiring Couples Seminar
The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of St. Kizito Parish in Kuje Area Council, FCT, Abuja, recently hosted a successful one-day Couples Seminar designed to strengthen marriages and enrich family life within the parish community.
The event drew a large turnout of married couples and those in serious relationships seeking to deepen their emotional and physical intimacy.
The papers presented at the couples seminar by various resource persons focused on breaking negative communication cycles, aligning shared long-term goals, and mastering practical conflict-resolution strategies.
The seminar moderated by Dr. Kingsley Okafor, was declared open by the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Henry Duru, PhD. The Parish Priest offered special prayers and blessings for the attendees, commending the CMO for organizing such a timely event to fortify Christian homes.
In his welcome address, President of St Kizito CMO, Brother Sunday Okwu, said: “Today marks a special day in the life of our Parish as the idea conceived by CMO to put family first is being delivered today in reality. Today we are not just having a seminar, we are preparing you to be agent of positive change in your respective relationships. Many of us tend to run away from our relationship challenges. Yes. Avoidance is fundamentally a subconscious defense mechanism designed to prevent hurt, but this self-protective wall can quickly morph into a trap that fosters emotional isolation and depression. This avoidance results in unfulfilling or wrong relationships because the dynamics lack true emotional stakes.
“You cannot live in denial, running away from accountability. When a healthy, genuinely real connection presents itself, nervous system often misinterprets vulnerability as a threat and they run away instead of fixing issues, resulting in breaking relationships and marriages. Repeatedly running from authentic connections and real love frequently leads to loneliness. Suppressing the natural, human need for intimacy is incredibly draining and can directly contribute to fatalistic thinking and depression.
“Therefore, giving yourself permission to heal and accepting the help of others is one of the bravest steps you can take towards finding peace and happiness. This is why the CMO brought you here today to cross fertilize ideas in a clear expression of feelings to empty yourself for a better relationship and growth.
“I am an advocate of education because ignorance kills. It kills not only the possessor but every one related to such person in deep conversation. What does the church teach about relationship of husband and wife? What steps are you supposed to take when things are not going according you expectations? Who should you talk to, how do you go about it? What does the law say? There are customary laws, penal code, criminal laws, etc… which of them support your decision? That is why you are here today. So, pay attention and learn as no knowledge is wasted. When you know, your problem is less.”
Brother Okwu expressed profound gratitude to the planning committee headed by Mr. Chika Nwokoye, the CMO EXCO and the Parish Priest for their supports and efforts towards ensuring that the special couples seminar, said to be the first of its kind organised by St. Kizito CMO, was a huge success.
A marriage counsellor and relationship expert, Sir Edwin Obiekwe, KSJI, gave a presentation on Billings Method of Natural Family Planning, where he noted that “There are many kinds of Family Planning of which when subdivided, we have Artificial and Natural Family Planning. The Catholic Church is concerned with the Natural Family Planning and condemns any form of Artificial Family Planning.”
He mentioned the several natural methods of family planning while dwelling extensively on the Billings Method. According to him, “Billings Method is entirely a new method of natural family planning. It is not the old safe period and does not make use of thermometer or calendar. Neither does it involve the use of pill, coil, condom or withdrawal, all of which are artificial methods.”
Sir Obiekwe also presented a paper titled: “Choosing a Life Partner”, highlighting factors to consider, such as physical attraction, attitude, character, education, religion, health, and social and economic background.
Reverend Father Francis Nworah, a canon law pundit on life and family matters, delivered papers on Conflicts and Conflicts Resolution in Marriage, and Conditions For Separation and Annulment, while Dr Obed Nonso Epundu, a medical professionai, spoke on Medical Issues in Marriage.