Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord:
TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL;
1. THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: As we bid goodbye to the month of January, I heartily welcome you to the month of February, 2022, a month rich in liturgical activities and spiritual memorials. Beginning with the Feast of the Presentation (February 2), the Church calls us to re-dedicate ourselves to God, presenting our dreams, hopes and fears to Him and making sacrificial offerings of our lives in service of the Gospel.
2. ARCHDIOCESAN PREPARATION FOR THE 2023 SYNOD OF BISHOPS: The preparation for the synod is already on the way with the discussions at the society levels in the parishes and we commend all parishes that are faithful in organizing the discussions. We encourage everyone to keep up the enthusiasm.
The timeline for the activities for the Diocesan phase of the preparations were communicated during the webinar held in December 2021 for Priests and Religious and the seminar for facilitators. We enjoin everyone to pray for the success of this phase of the synod and to participate actively as required of them.
3. THE NEW OMICRON VARIANT COVID-19: As we did in the last few circulars, we advise everyone to take the COVIR-19 vaccine and all parishes to continue to observe the COVID-19 protocols and encourage the faithful to wash their hands or use hand sanitizers regularly, wear their face-masks, observe the physical distance required and keep attendance at large gatherings to the barest minimum.
4. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND AWARENESS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING: The International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking comes up on Tuesday 8th February, 2022, the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita. The theme for this year’s celebration is “The Power of Care- Women, Economy and Human Trafficking”. We expect all Priests to carry out the following activities within their parishes:
i. Celebration of the Holy Mass across ALL Parishes with special Prayers against Human Trafficking: Tuesday 8th February 2022, Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita.
ii. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Candle-Light Procession in ALL Parishes with special Prayers against Human Trafficking: Tuesday 8th February 2022, Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita.
iii. Exhortation of the Parishioners on the reality and ills of Trafficking in persons at all Masses: On Sunday 6th February 2022. This should be done by the Parish Priest/Priest-In-Charge. May St. Bahkita continue to intercede for us all and for those trafficked, kidnapped or in some form of captivity of another. May her intercession bring an end to this scourge in the world. St. Bahkita – Pray for Us.
5. WORLD DAY OF THE SICK: this year’s World Day of the Sick with the theme: Be merciful, even as your father is merciful (Lk 6:36) comes up on Friday 11th February 2022 at St. Leo CatholicChurch, Ikeja. The programme will begin with the Holy Mass at 10:00am. Every parish is expected to send two (2) health workers to represent the parish.
6. 2022 VALENTINE’S DAY WITH THE ARCHBISHOP: This Archdiocesan Program organized by the Lay Apostolate Centre in conjunction with the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Jude Society will come up as follows: Date: Saturday, 12th February 2022. Time: 10:00 a.m. starting with the Holy Mass. Venue: Catholic Church of the Ascension, Airport Road, Ikeja.
7. DIACONATE ORDINATION: By the grace of God, eleven of our seminarians: Anyanwu Louis Kelechi, Chukwunyere Richard Nwabugwu, Eze Anthony Chidubem, Fashamu Emmanuel Oluwadamilare, Idobogbe Clement Ebanehita, Mbah Paul Chukwuebuka, Mkpahu Benjamin Maduka, Ogunyemi Hilary Temitope, Okafor Dominic Chinwike, Olympio Anthony Oluwatosin and Ugonabo Valentine Ekene. will be ordained deacons on Sunday 20th February 2022, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos during the 10:30am. Let us continue to pray that the Lord would send faithful servants to work in His vineyard.
8. LEADING FOR MISSION FOR PARISH LAY LEADERS: we are grateful to the Deans, Parish Priests, Deanery and Parish Laity Council Executives that have contributed to the successful launch of this MANDATORY training programme for ALL CURRENT Parish EXECUTIVE OFFICE HOLDERS and Council Members. Kindly be informed that all concerned persons are expected to complete this training in 2022. We also solicit the assistance of all concerned in providing the conducive environment and facilities needed to enable us achieve our goal of empowering people to participate effectively and efficiently in the task of advancing God’s kingdom in our Archdiocese.
9. PAULINE FOODS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM: There would be an empowerment program/training on food processing and packaging organized by Pauline Foods. The first batch begins on Saturday, 5th February 2022. Duration: Every Saturday for 2 months (February – March). Time: 10am – 4pm. Venue: St. Paul Catholic Church, Ebute Metta. Mentorship: 6months after training. Batch 2: June-July 2022. Batch 3: September-October 2022.
A 2-weeks crash program is also available for those who might take advantage of that. Interested persons are encouraged to register. For further details call Benjamin- 09044946744 or Joseph- 07037673899.