1. POPE’S INTENTION FOR APRIL 2025: For the use of the new technologies: Let us pray that the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
2. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR APRIL 2025: For the Judiciary: We pray for all those who work in the Judiciary that in their work they may be motivated solely by love for the truth and the desire to stand for what is just.
3. MASS OF THE CHRISM 2025: will take place on Tuesday 15th April and Thursday 17th
April, 2025. Venue: Catholic Church of the Nativity, Festac Town and Holy Cross Cathedral respectively, Time: 9:00am. In preparation for the 2025 Chrism Mass, all Parish Priests are to pay the sum of N75,000 to their respective Deans who are in turn to remit the money as Deaneries to the Planning Committees.
4. CATHEDRATICUM: One of the very laudable practices at the Masses of Chrism is the presentation of gifts that are distributed to the less-privileged and the needy in various Homes and Correctional Facilities around the Archdiocese. We expect Parish Priests and Priests-in-Charge to make deliberate and concerted efforts to encourage Parishioners to generously donate gift items to the growing number of indigent people that come around with high expectations at this time. The resources saved through our Lenten fast are supposed to be used for charity rather than as savings for other personal uses.
5. AS LENTEN SEASON COMES TO AN END: It is not too late for those who have not done so to pay attention to the following:
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 Good Friday (April 18th) 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. Those who are sick, pregnant or nursing or whose health would adversely be 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 in penance and self-denial. We are required to also to pray fervently for the 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: Avoid 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.
vi. Be regular at the Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays and Fridays and do it as often as 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. DESIGNATED PILGRIMAGE SITES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025.
The following parishes have been designated as Pilgrimage Sites in the Archdiocese of throughout the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.
1. Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.
2. Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, Sangotedo.
3. Ave Maria Grotto, Lekki.
4. Marian Shrine, Maryland.
5. Bethlehem Girls, College, Abule-Ado.
6. Holy Family Catholic Church, Ajara.
7. St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ikorodu.
8. Regina Caeli Catholic Church, Bogije.
Parishes around these pilgrimage sites are to make pilgrimages on the last Saturday of every month or any other day they deem fit throughout the Jubilee Year. A Plenary Indulgence is obtained by pilgrims who go to these pilgrimage sites, make a good confession, attend Mass and receive communion and pray for the intention of the Holy Father. All Parish Priests and Priests-in-Charge are to sensitize their parishioners on the relevance and importance of this spiritual exercise.
c. Catholic Youths Organization of Nigeria Intensify Skill Acquisition Program May 2025
Cohort 2: We are excited to announce registration for our May cohort of the Internsify digital skills acquisition program is on and Catholics youths can gain skill sets such as data analysis, cyber security, frontend development, backend development, and virtual assistance to mention a few. The program is open to all Catholic Youths who have graduated from secondary school.
NB: With an initial deposit of N30,000.00 you can commerce virtual classes and pay your balances after Internsify has helped you secure a job at the end of the 4-month course duration. Physical classes can only be paid in two instalments. For more details contact Elizabeth: +234 907 387 2269.
i. CYON Lagos Archdiocesan Annual Leadership Seminar in Conjuction with Surulere and Yaba Deanery (SUYA):
Theme: Effective Leadership in Challenging times: the Role of Christian Values.
Date: 3rd of May, 2025.
Venue: Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Mushin.
Time: 10am
Participation: Two representatives per Parish (compulsory). Participation fee to be announced. Registration link: https://forms.gle/mVadNGnkRLK3hFdt7
d. Archdiocesan Lay Leaders’ Spiritual/Pastoral Formation Seminar: The Seminar for Lay Leaders in the Archdiocesan and Deanery Executives of Laity Council Deanery and Lay Organizations/Societies/Associations comes up as follows:
Date: Saturday, 17th May, 2025
Venue: Christ the King Catholic Church, Ilasamaja, Surulere Deanery
Theme: “Leadership in challenging and Turbulent Times: Way Forward”
Keynote Address by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins.
Fee: N6,000.00 per delegates
Note: i) Deadline for payment is Wednesday, 30th April, 2025.