A JOURNEY OF CONVERSION: SUSTAINING OUR EARTHLY MISSION IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Between Friday 14th to Sunday 16th August 2026 at Sacred Heart Pastoral Centre, Orlu Diocese, the Catholic Diocese of Orlu hosts the 41st National Convention of the Catholic Workers Volunteer Force; after many years of such occasion. Fr. Augustine Iwuagwu, of Orlu Diocese, on the 41st National Convention of the Catholic Workers Volunteer Force highlights the linkage between the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the apostolate of the Volunteer Force.
The Catholic Workers Volunteer Force (CWVF) on its own, is the result of the beautiful initiative of Christian service, calling men and women from different professions and walks of life to offer their God-given talents freely for the service of the Catholic Church and the needy. On 19 June 1983, history was made at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Awkunanaw, Enugu, when thirty members made their first solemn promise before the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. M. U. Eneja, in the presence of a large gathering of clergy and laity from within and beyond the Diocese.
The members of the Force came from diverse professions, including labourers, carpenters, teachers, painters, technicians, nurses, medical practitioners, engineers, journalists, artists and priests. Before making their solemn promise, members underwent a one-year probationary period, after which they voluntarily committed themselves to offering their professional services free of charge to the Church and those in need.
The central spirituality of the CWVF is rooted in following Christ and doing the will of God. In addressing the members, the Bishop challenged them to ask whether they were “fools” for following Christ, reminding them that the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Saints and other faithful followers had embraced Christ’s example. He identified two important principles of Christian discipleship: doing the Father’s will and accepting the principle of “No Cross, No Crown.” Members were encouraged to understand and live these principles in their daily lives.
The Bishop further stressed that genuine Christian living in thought, word and action cannot flourish where selfishness remains. Members of the Force were therefore urged to root out selfishness if they wished to make genuine progress both individually and as a group. Overcoming selfishness would make their prayers more effective and deepen their union with God, making it more intensive and lasting.
The Bishop also reminded the members that the inspiration behind the Force ultimately comes from God. He encouraged both present and future leaders and members to remain faithful to the original inspiration and purpose of the society, according to the mind of God. Its growth, whether qualitative or quantitative, must always preserve this original spiritual vision.
The basic philosophy of the Force is simple: whatever gift one has received from God should be used to glorify Him through service to the Church and humanity. Those who possess material wealth are encouraged to use it for the benefit of the Church and the needy, while professionals and skilled workers are called to offer their expertise freely. Whether one is a carpenter, bricklayer, teacher, administrator, engineer, doctor, artist, journalist, lawyer, trader, cook or labourer, there is an opportunity to serve God through one’s profession.
The CWVF therefore represents a spirituality of generous, selfless and practical Christian service. Its members are called to transform their professions, talents and resources into instruments of evangelization, charity and service. By rendering their services freely to the Church and the needy, they are encouraged to see themselves as storing up treasures in heaven.
The solemn promises made by members are consequently more than professional commitments; they are expressions of faith, sacrifice, discipleship and love. The enduring challenge of the Catholic Workers Volunteer Force is for its members to remain faithful to this promise, overcome selfishness, follow Christ, preserve the original inspiration of the society, and use their God-given gifts for the glory of God and the service of the Church and the needy.
