From Archbishop’s Desk – 3rd March, 2024

Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord:

TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL;

1. POPE’S INTENTION FOR March 2024: For the New Martyrs: That those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm .…….. We pray O Lord

2. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR March 2024: For Victims of Violence: We pray for victims of violence that they may be comforted in their sufferings. May God shed His light upon them and give them peace, solace and succour …….. We pray O Lord.

3. A FEW THOUGHTS ON LENT: As we begin the season of lent, may I remind everyone of the following practices regarding the season: 

a. Abstinence: All the faithful who have reached 14 years of age and above are required to abstain totally from meat or favourite dish or drink on Ash Wednesday (February 14) and Good Friday (March 29) and all the Fridays of Lent. 

b. Fasting: All the faithful between the ages of 18 and 60 years are obliged to fast. In practice, fasting involves limiting oneself to a single full meal or two smaller meals a day. The sick, pregnant women or nursing mothers or those whose health would be adversely affected by fasting should not consider themselves bound by this norm. 

c. Parents and teachers are responsible for helping young persons, who are not bound by the norms regarding fasting and abstinence to recognize the genuine sense of penance and self-denial. We are required to also pray fervently for catechumens who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation during this period.

Please find below some of the other ways we can observe this period of Lent so as to benefit from the graces of the season: 

i. Avoid Sin: Keep yourself away from all occasions that could lead to sin. Repent and return to God by a good sacramental confession and do appropriate penance if you fall into sin.

ii. Practice self-control; be more generous especially in giving to the poor and needy and in contributing to the works of the church, remission of debts and payment of just wages. 

iii. Pursue and achieve reconciliation with anyone with whom you are not at peace. 

iv. Read the Scriptures in order to deepen your intimacy with God, spread the kingdom of Christ and help others to know and return to Christ. 

v. Pray before the Blessed Sacrament, go to Mass often, if possible, daily, taking time to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. 

vi. Be regular at the stations of the cross on Wednesdays and Fridays and do it every day if you can. 

vii. Take part in the Lenten programmes and retreats that will be organized in your parish. Take full part in the Holy week ceremonies. 

viii. Pray your Rosary daily.  Bear in mind that all other Fridays of the year remain Days of penance in prayerful remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.  

5. LENTEN REFLECTIONS BY THE ARCHBISHOP: As has been the case in the last few years, the Archbishop, Alfred Adewale Martins will be offering Lenten reflections every day during the whole season. The reflections will be transmitted as follows: NTA CHANNEL 10: DSTV Channel 369 @ 6:55pm LUMEN CHRISTI: DSTV Channel 350 @ 1:00pm & 9:15pm RADIO: Metro 97.7FM @ 5:55am & 9:15pm. All our Social Media Platforms: Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram: Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. Everyone is encouraged to tune in and listen to the reflections as we pray that the Word of God will nourish our souls. Amen. 

6. ADMISSION INTO LAGOS ARCHDIOCESAN CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS: This is to inform our parents that admission into Basic 7 (JSS 1) for the 2023/2024 academic session in all Catholic Secondary Schools in the Archdiocese of Lagos is in progress. The Entrance Examination comes up on Saturday 9^th March, 2024 at the schools. Forms can be obtained at the school of choice, all Catholic Primary Schools in the Archdiocese, selected parishes and electronically on examcentre.ng or on any of the following 10 Catholic Archdiocesan Secondary Schools’ websites:

1. St. Gregory College, South-West, Ikoyi (http://www.stgregoryscollege.ng) 
2. Holy Child Girls College, Ikoyi (http://www.holychildcollegeswikoyi.org) 
3. St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka (http://www.stfinbarrscollegeakoka.com)
4. St. Kizito’s College, Iju-Ishaga (http://stkizitocollege.com)  
5. Mater Ecclesiae College, Epe (http://www.materecclesiaecollege.com)  
6. Sacred Heart College, Apapa (http://www.sacredheartcollegeapapa.com.ng)
7. Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Maryland (http://www.mcssmaryland.org)
8. Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Yaba (http://www.olassyaba.sch.ng) 
9. Marywood Girls College, Ebute-Metta (http://www.marywoodgc-lagos.org)
10. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic College, Okokomaiko (http://stthomascollegeng.org)  

Sales of forms will close one week to the date of examination. Let us give our children the holistic advantages that Catholic education offers!