Vincent Njoku, Cynthia Aule and Tessy Ekanem of the CSN Media in an interview with the newly appointed CSN Director of Pastoral Affairs reveal who he is and his vision for his new office.
CSN Media: Good day Fr. Please may we meet you?
Fr.: My name is Reverend Father Augustine Olusegun Fasiku. I am from Kogi State by origin, Ogidi-Ijumu precisely. I am canonically incardinated into the Catholic diocese of Ilorin by virtue of my ordination as a clergy in the Diocese.
CSN Media: When were you ordained a priest?
Fr.: I was ordained in the year 2003, precisely 30th of November 2003. So, by November this year I will be 22 years as a priest.
CSN Media: Please Father, where did you study, and what are your qualifications?
Fr.: I started my journey to the priesthood from the Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul, Bodija Ibadan where I obtained a degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies respectively in affiliation with the University of Ibadan. And my post graduate studies were in Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port-Harcourt, where I obtained licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law.
CSN Media: Can you share with us some of your past working experience?
Fr.: I have worked as a pastor in different parishes in my diocese (Catholic Diocese of Ilorin). I am still the judicial vicar of the diocese. I also teach Canon Law in all the five novitiates we have in the diocese. I also extend this service to the Religious Education Department of the Diocese where I teach Canon Law to Catechists in training.
CSN Media: What are your expectations in your new office?
Fr.: As the new Director of the Pastoral Affairs Department, I will work hard to build on the progressive legacies I inherited from my predecessor by providing strategic leadership and vision for the department, aligning with the CSN’s overall mission and goals, offer expert pastoral guidance and support to the Bishops, offer effective management to the department’s personnel, resources, budget and ensure efficient and effective operations in the department. Furthermore, I will work towards fostering positive relationships and communication with other departments and external partners.
CSN Media: We understand that you studied in CIWA. What is CIWA to you?
Fr.: The Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) is a regional Catholic institution that serves the nine English-speaking countries of West Africa, namely: The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde (observer status).
CIWA was established in 1980 by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of West Africa, with the aim of promoting: Theological and pastoral formation, Research and publication, Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue and Social justice and development.
CIWA offers various programs, including: Degree programs-Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in theology and related fields. It also offers Diploma and certificate programmes, workshops and conferences on topics relevant to the Church and society in West Africa.
I will want to establish with all sense of responsibility and humility at point that CIWA is a community of curiosity-driven individuals, analytical thinkers with love for reading and learning, respect for evidence-based reasoning, open-mindedness and tolerance, Passion for discussion and debate, collaborative spirit, perseverance and resilience.
The lecturers in CIWA are expert and specialists who have dedicated themselves to a particular field or discipline, often becoming leading authorities in their area. Among the academic staff is the practice of collegiality, intellectual humility, constructive criticism and Mentorship.
Finally, I will reiterate that CIWA’s mission is to serve the Church in West Africa, particularly Nigeria by providing quality education, research, and pastoral formation, thereby promoting social justice, ecumenism, and interfaith dialogue.
CSN Media: What does it feel like to leave your parish where you are fully in charge and live in a community of priests?
Fr.: It is something that one needs to expect as a priest. However, leaving a parish setting and entering a community of priests can be a significant transition, evoking a range of emotions and experiences. My initial feeling was like a sense of loss. Leaving behind a familiar community, friends, and a sense of belonging can be difficult. My mind was preoccupied with sense of uncertainty. Adjusting to a new environment, routine, and community dynamics was just unsettling for me. However, I think am beginning to feel some excitement. Entering a community of priests can be a thrilling experience, offering different opportunities for spiritual growth, learning, and camaraderie.
CSN Media: How do you feel being appointed to work at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria?
Fr.: Working here at this level is a great privilege and a higher call of service to God, CBCN and to the people of God in Nigeria.
CSN Media: What do you have to say about Canon Law?
Fr.: Hunnnnโฆ Canon law! In a nutshell, canon law is a vital aspect of the Catholic Church’s legal framework, governing the behaviour and activities of the faithful, clergy, and institutions. It plays a vital role in governing the Catholic Church’s internal life and external relationships. While it presents challenges and criticisms, it is also important to state that it promotes unity, protection of rights, and guidance of Church governance.
CSN Media: We observe that the Director of Pastoral Affairs at CSN is always saddled with Canon Law and Liturgy. Where is the meeting point between Canon Law and Liturgy?
The meeting point between canon law and liturgy is a fascinating area of study. However, the intersection of Canon Law and Liturgy ensures that the churchโs sacramental life, liturgical celebrations and clergy ministry are governed by a unified and coherent set of norms and regulations, promoting unity, continuity and fidelity to the Churchโs tradition. Thank you.
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