By PJ Usanga
The Auxiliary Bishop of Minna, Most Rev. Sylvester Gopep, has charged staff of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) and agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to be solutions providers rather than complainers.
Bishop Gopep made this call in his homily at the Mass marking the first day of the 2025 annual retreat for staff of CSN and agencies of CBCN, held at the CSN premises in Abuja. With the theme: “Fostering an organizational culture of love and service: Insights from ‘Dilexit Nos’,” the retreat aims to provide staff with an opportunity for introspection, spiritual and moral re-examination, and renewed work disposition for the new year.
The Bishop lamented that many Christians, including some staff members, often live in fear and confusion, rather than standing bravely for their faith. He urged them to contribute to solving problems rather than merely complaining.
“We are capable and in a position to provide solutions to problems,” Bishop Gopep stressed. “We must avoid negative confessions from our mouth, because there’s power in our tongue. We must also avoid the spirit of fear, doubt, and prayerlessness, as these can hinder our effectiveness as christians.”
The homilist also cautioned priests against pastoral escapism, emphasizing the importance of embracing their pastoral responsibilities with courage and commitment.
The 2025 annual retreat, which will conclude on January 8, 2025, features talks, question-and-answer sessions, discussions, Eucharistic adoration, and Holy Mass. The retreat will provide a platform for staff to reflect on their roles as church workers and to recommit themselves to fostering an organizational culture of love and service.
The CSN, as the administrative arm of the CBCN, plays a vital role in coordinating the activities of Catholic Bishops and its agencies across Nigeria. The annual retreat is an effort by the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria to foster a spirit of unity, cooperation, and spiritual growth among its staff and stakeholders.
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