The 5th edition of the National Mission Congress (NAMICON5), kicks off officially today, October 25, 2023 at the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Imo State, with the theme: “Fear not for I am with you” Isaiah 41:10, at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri.
The Congress started with an Opening Mass celebrated by the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna alongside other bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful.
The Chief Celebrant at the the Mass, in his homily, admonished all Christians to remember that they have been chosen and consecrated by our Lord Jesus Christ to bring salvation to the world through their work as missionaries.
“As Christians, we have been called and consecrated by our Lord Jesus Christ to bring salvation to the world in the work of the mission, because it is God’s will that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
“The mission is not ours, but God’s mission, so we should count ourselves privileged to be specially chosen for this service. We, as missionaries work in the context as Angels of hope, to give hope to the world, because there is no peace, absolutely no peace on earth,” he admonished.
While encouraging all to constantly put their faith and hope in God irrespective of the various challenges in the work of evangelisation, the Emeritus Metropolitan of Owerri Province advised that Christians should understand that those who hope in men,will stumble and fall, but those who hope in God, will have their strength renewed, because God is never tired, and he is ever faithful.
At the Opening ceremony after the Mass at the Jubilee Hall of the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, the Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, who was represented by the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, welcomed all the bishops, priests, religious and delegates to Owerri.
Bishop Chikwe while reflecting on the theme of the Congress, disclosed that considering the times and the situation in the country currently, which is characterised by economic instability, insecurity and corruption, that we are called to stand up courageously as missionaries and confront these fears.
He fervently prayed and hoped that the Congress will invigorate in all the participants the strength to become more empowered for their work as ambassadors of Christ on earth.
The Episcopal Chairman, Mission and Dialogue of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Stephen Mamza, in his keynote address, emphasised that the theme for the Congress, is very timely, because most Christians now, are afraid of suffering and death owing to the pandemic that create global and local health crises.
“We have chosen this theme at a time when so many are afraid of suffering and death from pandering that create global and local health crises, afraid of the challenges and uncertainties resulting from climate change, banditry, kidnapping, social inequality and cracks in national and global society that breeds suspicion, political divisions and instability”
Bishop Mamza who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Missionary Council of Nigeria, explained that to illuminate and inspire a collective missionary experience, believers should develop a sense of resilience in times of personal adversity, so as to be able to cultivate and nurture the feeling of compassion and empathy for those who are suffering and are marginalised.
Admonishing that in times of fear and uncertainty, hope becomes the only beacon of light, Bishop Mamza emphasised that the message: ‘I am with you,’ carries the promise of hope that can sustain us through the darkest hour, and embodies a promise of divine presence, guidance and protection.
The Executive Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, in his speech, appealed to the church to collaborate through prayers and wise counsel, with the government to enhance effective service delivery to the citizenry.
While notifying all of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State, the Governor further appealed to all the bishops present, to join all Imolites in prayers for a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the State.
The Congress which started with the arrival of delegates on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, and will end with a closing Mass on Friday October 27, will witness Eucharistic adoration and Holy Mass, Talks and Paper presentations, questions and answers alongside other activities.
