By Emmanuel Eko, Vincent Njoku and Cynthia Aule, CSN Media
The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, has charged leaders of the various lay associations of the Catholic Church in Nigeria not to the succumb to the temptations of power.
He gave this charge in his homily at the Holy Mass to commence the 3-day retreat held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja on Wednesday 12 July, 2023. The theme of the retreat is โThe identity, spirituality and mission of the lay faithfulโ.
Citing the book of Genesis, chapter 45 verse 4, the prince of the Church challenged the retreatants on the need to understand their role within the bigger context of proclaiming the kingdom of God so as to always rely on divine providence in their different apostolates and called on them to work together and love one another by becoming each otherโs brotherโs keeper.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary General, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi welcomed the participants commending them that in spite of the security situation in the country they were still able to make it to the retreat.
He went further to appreciate the efforts of the Director, Pastoral Agents Department, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi and the CBCN Laity Secretary, Mr. Josef Ishu, for organizing such a laudable programme.
On the importance of the retreat, Fr. Samjumi said it will help the participants to remove themselves from the familiarity of their usual patterns or surroundings and also to set aside time to connect with God in His Creation.
According to the CBCN Secretary for the Laity, Mr. Josef Ishu, this yearโs gathering is aimed at bringing together all the leaders so that they get to know each other. โYou should not fail to always liaise with the Pastoral Agents department and the CBCN Laity office for consultations at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria whenever they need arises,โ he added.
At the interactive session, using the organogram, Ishu also took time to enlighten the participants on the functions of the various departments in the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN).
In appreciation, the National President of the Laity in Nigeria, Hon. Sir Henry Hoomlong Yunkwap (KSJI) saluted the courage of the participants who despite the difficulties caused by the fuel subsidy removal and poor security situation, still attended the retreat. He prayed God to lead them back to their various destinations safely at the end of the programme.
