By PJ Usanga, CSN Media
Staff of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) and agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have concluded the 2025 work year with a Thanksgiving Mass held at the St. Gabriel Chaplaincy of the CSN, ahead of the Christmas break.
The Mass, celebrated on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, was an expression of gratitude to God for His guidance and protection throughout the year.
In his homily, the Chief Celebrant and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), Rev. Fr. Solomon Patrick Zaku, reflected on the genealogy of Jesus Christ, stressing that God can work through anyone, regardless of background or past experiences.
“Sometimes we treat people badly and give them bad names as if they have nothing to offer,” Rev. Fr. Zaku said.
The homilist admonished staff to use the close of the year as a moment of reflection and renewal. “As we close for this year, let us cast our minds back and let go of some of the mistakes we made in the course of the year, and not cling to them. Let us forgive and not hold on to grudges in the new year,” he urged.
Rev. Fr. Zaku prayed for God’s continued protection, adding, “As we thank God, I pray that the God who has brought us this far will take us into the new year safe and sound.”
In his remarks, the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, acknowledged the uncertainties that characterised the year and expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the Secretariat and its agencies.
“The year came with many challenges, but God decided to be more favourable to us,” Rev. Fr. Banjo said. “I am giving glory to God; that is why we are having this thanksgiving. It helps us to remember where we are coming from and to give God the glory.”
The Secretary General commended staff members for their dedication and commitment to duty, paying special tribute to new staff who joined during the year and to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members completing their service.
“I want to thank you for your dedication and commitment to your duties,” he said. “I also thank the new members of staff who joined us this year for hitting the ground running and adding value to the CSN. We are equally grateful to the corps members who worked with us and contributed meaningfully to our work.”
Rev. Fr. Banjo further challenged staff to live out the spirit of thanksgiving through acts of kindness and unity. “If God has been good to us, let us remember to be good to others,” he said. “Be agents of God’s goodness and hope, and ensure that as you make merry, others will thank God because of you.”
The clergyman called for deeper unity across agencies, adding, “Let us see a greater family spirit among us when we return next year, with more respect and love. Do not let anything you have been through trouble you, because God has truly been good to us.”
The celebration featured a special thanksgiving procession, during which staff members danced to the altar with offertory gifts, followed by prayers for all staff and their families. The outgoing NYSC members were also accorded a special moment of thanksgiving in appreciation of their service.
