By Peter Adubi
The Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio Nigeria) Diocesan Directors gathered for their annual National Council meeting today, 17 April 2024, with a resounding call from Most Rev. John Oyejola, the Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese.
The meeting, which held at St. Gabriel Chaplaincy in the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Durumi, kicked off with an opening mass attended by over 50 Diocesan Directors.
The event had it’s theme as “Go and invite everyone to the Banquet” (Mt 22:9), which also serves as the theme for the upcoming 2024 World Mission Sunday, Bishop Oyejola delivered a passionate homily emphasizing the importance of being courageous and dedicated missionaries. He called on the Diocesan Directors to preach the Gospel message of Jesus Christ not as mere hired laborers, but as missionaries who truly comprehend the essence and dynamics of mission works.
During the opening ceremony, the PMS Diocesan Director of Nsukka Diocese, Rev Fr. Kelechi Justus Idike, presided over the liturgy of the enthronement of the Bible. Following this, the PMS National Director, Very Rev. Fr. Solomon Zaku, welcomed all attendees and presented the year’s programs, encouraging participants to actively engage with them in their respective dioceses.
Rev. Fr. Nicholas Djebah, the National Secretary of Synods, Congresses/Pilgrimages of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, took the stage to deliver a captivating speech on the chosen theme, “Go and Invite everyone to the Banquet.” He stressed the significance of inviting everyone to experience God’s love, advocating for justice, and living out one’s faith intentionally and meaningfully while listening empathetically.
Reports on mission activities from various Dioceses were presented.
The participants requested prayers for the successful continuation of the gathering, as they collectively strive to strengthen the missionary efforts of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
