From the Archbishop’s Desk – 7th May, 2023

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 MAY: Welcome to the month of May, 2023, a month in which we continue to celebrate the joys of the Easter Season. In this month, the Church specially draws attention to the mother of the Risen Lord who stood beside her son during his passion and on the cross, and now shares in His glory having been conferred with the title of Regina Caeli i.e., Queen of heaven. We also celebrate two significant days; which not only bring the season of Easter to a close but also completes the joy brought by the Risen Lord; the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (May 18th) and Pentecost Sunday (May 28th). As the Risen Christ ascends body and soul into heaven, He leaves us with a promise of the Holy Spirit, which He fulfils in union with the Father, only 10 days after His ascent. Therefore, as we await the outpouring of Holy Spirit, let us dispose ourselves to receive His gifts and then bear the fruits expected of everyone who receives the gifts.
   Also, in this month of May, we are enjoined to intensify our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Risen Christ, spouse of the Holy Spirit and our mother also. As the May devotion commences on the first day of the month, let us be committed to the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary; asking Our Lady’s maternal intercession for ourselves and especially for our country Nigeria as new governments comes into power at the national and states levels.
   In this month are also some important feast days:
   Our Lady of Fatima (May 13^th),
   St. Bernardine of Siena (May 20^th),
   St. Rita of Cascia (May 22^nd),
   St. Philip Neri (May 26^th),
   Mary Mother of the Church (May 29^th), Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31^st).

2. POPE’S INTENTION FOR MAY 2023: For church movements and groups: We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.

3. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR MAY 2023: For all workers: That they may find joy and fulfilment in their work. May their work be a means of promoting the Kingdom of God here on earth and enhancing the growth of all people. May the unemployed find job opportunities that would ensure decent living.

4. ARCHDIOCESAN LAITY HARVEST: The harvest celebrations would hold on Sunday, 7^th May, 2023 at St. Cyril Catholic Church, Okota, Lagos by 10.00am. Those concerned are to take note.

5. ARCHDIOCESAN LAY LEADERS’ SPIRITUAL/PASTORAL FORMATION SEMINAR: The seminar for Lay Leaders in the Archdiocesan and Deanery Executives of Laity Council and Lay Organizations/Societies/Associations comes up as follows:
   Date: Saturday, 20^th May, 2023
   Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Orile – Iganmu, Coker, Lagos.
   Time: Accreditation starts by 8.30am
   Theme: “Effective Christian Leadership and its Challenges in the 21^st Century” Fee: N3,000.00 per delegate
   Note:
   i. Deadline for payment is Friday, 28^th April 2023.
   ii. Pay at the Lay Apostolate Centre or Deposit into Fidelity Bank: Account Name: Catholic Lay Apostolate Centre Account No: 4110028140 iii. Depositor should be the Deanery/Society’s name. (Please do not use personal or company names).
   Kindly call 08026156606 or 08077003036 for more information. Thanks for your cooperation.

6. CYON ARCHDIOCESAN YOUTH VIGIL – SING AND SHOUT HALLELUJAH (SASH 2023): This is scheduled to hold on the 2^nd June 2023 geared to an all-night of praise and worship and a closing thanksgiving Mass to mark the feast of our Patron Saint (St. Charles L’wanga).
   Venue: Marian Shrine, St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland.
   Time: 6pm.
   Featuring: Confessions, Mass, Talk, Soul-lifting Praise and Worship by guest Artistes and youthful Renewal to God’s love.
   For partnership/sponsorship and more information, contact: David Jackson: Chairman Archdiocesan Youth Vigil Committee (08060350832), Aloysius Okoro: Maryland Deanery Coordinator (08186442351), Chukwuemeka Anyiam-Osigwe: Archdiocesan CYON President (08090821736), Augustine Onwudiwe: Archdiocesan Public Relations Officer (07015058553).

7. UNUSUAL ENTREPRENEUR 2023: The 2023 Unusual Praise will take place at TBS on December 15 from 5.00pm till dawn.
   Application for the 2023 Unusual Entrepreneur Programme to help our less-privileged Catholics set up small businesses or support existing ones is now open.
   To apply online, kindly visit www.unusualentrepreneurs.com. For more information please visit our website or send an email to info@www.unusualentrepreneurs.com.
   Application closes on 20^th May 2023.
   Furthermore, we are raising Catholic Gospel Ministers. Talented Gospel Singers who wish to participate in our auditioning should visit: midyearpraise.audition@gmail.com. Registration closes on April 17.
   We appeal to Parish Priests to please make this announcement in their parishes to assist interested parishioners. You may also contact Msgr. Paschal Nwaezeapu for clarifications.