Oct 3, 2007 - Missionary Childhood Association Annual Rally With The Cardinal
I greet our father in the Lord, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the Archbishop of Lagos on the occasion of this year’s Missionary Childhood Association annual rally.
Let me commend the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, the organisers of the rally for this initiative which, I am informed will give Missionary Childhood Association children between the age brackets of 3 – 14 years to meet with and also receive the blessings of the Cardinal.
I therefore felicitate with all the children who are participating in this year’s rally and pray that almighty God will bless you, your parents and family in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we all know children are precious gifts from God and as such they must be taken good care of by parents and the society. This was clearly demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he said to his disciples “suffer not the children to come to me for their s is the kingdom of God”
I wish to therefore use the opportunity of this occasion to enjoin parents to continue to pay special attention to the proper upbringing of their children. Let us inculcate in them good values, manners and behaviours especially at the formative stage of their lives. When they grow up, they will surely not depart from this path.
To all the children here present, I want you to continue to be good children, listen to and follow your parent’s advice, face your studies and never follow bad gangs. I pray that all the sacrifice of your parents to ensure that you succeed in life will not be in vain in Jesus name.
Once again, I salute our father the Cardinal in whose honour this annual rally is organised. We pray that God will strengthen you, grant you good health and long life to continue to be the shining light for our nation.
I thank you for your kind attention. God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State