By Omenihu Alfred fibmn
Barr Stan Chike Ofoma the emertus
MOD President (1996-2002) Charges MOD to Live as ‘Soldiers of the Cross’ at the Security Summit happening in Uyo, AkwaIbom state.
According to the cerebral President Emeritus the theme is not merely a slogan. It is a call to mission. It is a summons to duty. It is an invitation to become disciplined soldiers of Christ in a world increasingly challenged by disorder, moral decline, insecurity, violence, corruption, and spiritual confusion.
“The image of MOD as an “Army of the Cross” is both powerful and meaningful. It reminds us that every Christian is enlisted in a spiritual campaign—not a campaign of violence, hatred, or domination—but a campaign of faith, righteousness, discipline, service, sacrifice, and love” he opined
Reflecting the Cross as MOD Banner, Barr Ofoma noted that every army marches under a flag. Every nation fights under a symbol.
The symbol of MOD is not a weapon of destruction but the Cross of Christ. The Cross represents victory through sacrifice, strength through humility, leadership through service, and glory through obedience. When our Lord Jesus Christ carried the Cross to Calvary, He demonstrated the highest form of courage and discipline. He remained faithful to His mission despite rejection, suffering, humiliation, and death.
In his words the perspicacious Barr stated thus, “As members of MOD, we are called to carry the Cross daily and follow Christ. The Army of the Cross is therefore an army of men and women who choose righteousness over corruption, truth over falsehood, integrity over compromise, and service over selfish ambition.”
Looking as Discipline as theme in this context, Barr Stan informed that discipline is the foundation of Every Army, noting that No army can succeed without discipline. Likewise, no Christian movement can fulfil its mission without discipline.
“The very name “Man of Order and Discipline” speaks to one of the greatest virtues needed in our society today. Discipline is the ability to do what is right even when it is difficult.
Discipline shapes character. Discipline produces excellence. Discipline creates leaders. Discipline builds nations.”
“One of the greatest security threats facing any nation is not external aggression but the collapse of moral discipline among its citizens. Crime, corruption, cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cyber fraud, violence, and extremism are all manifestations of indiscipline.”
“The Army of the Cross therefore wages war against indiscipline by promoting self-control, moral integrity, respect for authority, and obedience to God. The disciplined Christian becomes a model citizen and a builder of peace. Spiritual Warfare in a Troubled World
Saint Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers.”
The Army of the Cross understands that humanity faces battles beyond the physical realm.”
Furthermore, Barr Ofoma revealed that today, society is confronted by: Moral decadence, Family breakdown, Youth restiveness, Religious intolerance, Drug addiction, Human trafficking. Violent extremism, Corruption, Digital crimes, Materialism and loss of values and these challenges require more than military solutions. They require spiritual renewal. The Army of the Cross confronts these threats through prayer, evangelization, moral formation, character development, and positive social engagement.
“The strongest defence of a nation is not merely its weapons but the virtue of its people. MOD and National Security
At first glance, some may wonder what a Catholic youth vanguard has to do with national security. The answer is simple: security begins with character. Every criminal was once a child. Every corrupt official was once a youth. Every extremist was once influenced by an idea. If we can shape the values of young people, we can shape the future security of our nation. MOD contributes to national security by producing disciplined, responsible, patriotic, and morally upright citizens. A society where young people respect law, honour truth, value hard work, and fear God will naturally experience greater peace and stability.”
He reminded MOD members that their work is not separate from national security, noting that it is a critical component of national security.
“You are helping to build the human infrastructure upon which peace and development depend. Learning from the Swiss Guard respected worldwide for loyalty, discipline, professionalism, courage, and unwavering service to the Church. Their strength lies not merely in ceremonial appearance but in commitment to duty.
Likewise, MOD members must embody: Loyalty to Christ, Loyalty to the Church, Loyalty to moral values, Loyalty to the nation, Loyalty to truth and justice, Uniforms may inspire admiration, but character inspires transformation. The true strength of MOD lies not in its attire but in the quality of its members” he concluded.
