By Rev. Fr. Victor Somadina Chibuzor
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, St. Joseph Mukasa Catechetical Training Centre (CTC) in Malumfashi, Katsina State, recorded a historic milestone as 45 catechists were graduated and commissioned for evangelization and mission.
The ceremony, presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Katsina, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, witnessed the commissioning of the Centre’s first-ever cohort of nine female catechists alongside 36 male catechists.
In his homily during the Mass, Bishop Musa emphasized the importance of prayer, dedication, and rootedness in the Word of God. Drawing inspiration from saints such as St. Monica and St. Theresa of Avila, the Bishop urged the graduates to emulate these great women who dedicated their lives to catechetical ministry.
Bishop Musa also reminded the graduates of the unique role played by the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first catechist, who nurtured Jesus Christ and led others to Him. He highlighted the evolving inclusivity in catechetical ministry and the significant role of women in the work of evangelization.
Addressing the graduates, Bishop Musa reiterated the saying, “You cannot give what you don’t have,” encouraging them to be well-grounded in faith, prayer, and service.
The ceremony reached its crescendo with the Bishop’s blessing and the laying of the foundation stone for a new Library and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Complex on the Centre’s premises. This project, estimated to cost millions of naira, signifies the Centre’s continued commitment to equipping catechists with modern resources for evangelization.
Founded in 1964 by the late Bishop Edward T. Lawton, St. Joseph Mukasa Catechetical Training Centre was established to provide catechetical training for the Diocese of Katsina. Initially a diocesan institution, the Centre soon evolved into a regional hub, admitting candidates from across Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
Over the decades, the Centre has trained hundreds of catechists who have served the Church faithfully and meritoriously. Training at CTC Malumfashi was traditionally conducted in both Hausa and English, accommodating a diverse range of candidates. However, in recent years, English has become the primary medium of instruction to cater to non-Hausa-speaking students.
Notably, the Centre remains open to both men and women, as exemplified by the recent graduation of the first female catechists. The Centre’s long history of impactful leadership includes directors such as Rev. Fr. Bede Jego, OP, its first director, and Rev. Fr. Michael McGrath, SMA, its longest-serving director.
Other notable directors include Very Rev. Msgr. Joseph Atado and Msgr. Joseph Keke. In the history of the Centre, Mallam Emmanuel Musa stands out as the longest-serving assistant director and lecturer, contributing significantly to the Centre’s legacy.
In 2014, CTC Malumfashi celebrated its golden jubilee, an indication of its enduring relevance in the Church’s mission. With the ongoing development of new facilities and the graduation of this record-breaking cohort, the Centre is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in catechetical training.
As the event concluded with praises to God, Bishop Gerald Musa expressed gratitude to the Centre’s staff, benefactors, and the graduates’ families, acknowledging their sacrifices and support. He prayed for divine grace and wisdom to guide the graduates in their ministry and ensure they contribute meaningfully to the Church and society.
