The Missionary Childhood Association (MCA), Lagos Archdiocese successfully held its 2025 School of Missionary Animators (SOMA) on July 5 and 19, 2025 at two regional centres. The Lagos/ Badagry Region SOMA took place at Holy Family Catholic Church, Festac Town, while the Ikeja/Lekki Region held theirs at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland. The programme began with the Holy Mass at 8:15 am, followed by the introduction of dignitaries. Rev. Sr. Doris Gali SHCJ, Archdiocesan Coordinator formally declared the School of Missionary Animators open on behalf of the PMS Director, Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Irabor.
The SOMA featured three impactful sessions. The first session, led by Rev. Sr. Henrietta Eziashi OSF, focused on “Called to Protect – A Sacred Duty of the MCA Animators to Safeguard God’s Children.” The second session, facilitated by Miss Nneka Bibiana Okpala, was on “Creative Animation of MCA Children,” emphasising the use of teaching aids to engage children effectively. The final session, delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Irabor, centred on “MCA Animators: Roles and Qualities.” A total of 314 participants attended the Lagos/Badagry SOMA, while the Ikeja/Lekki session recorded 462 participants.
The training aimed at equipping Animators with practical techniques to enhance their animation work in parishes. Sr. Gali summarised the sessions and led participants through a self-evaluation exercise, deepening their understanding of the topics covered. The programme ended with a commissioning ceremony where Animators rededicated and recommitted themselves to the MCA’s mission in the Archdiocese.
The MCA Lagos Archdiocese expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, priests, and host parishes for their support, particularly thanking Very Rev. Fr. Melvis Mayaki and Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fadairo for their warm hospitality. The 2025 SOMA was described as a blend of spiritual enrichment, skill acquisition, and child protection advocacy, reinforcing the commitment of MCA Animators to nurture and safeguard children in the faith.
277 students enrolled into MCA at St. Gregory’s College Ikoyi
A total of 277 students were enrolled into the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) at St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi, on July 20, 2025. This milestone came after months of animation activities introducing the students to the mission and spirituality of the MCA. The enrolment ceremony marked a significant step in deepening the missionary consciousness of young Catholics in the school.
The MCA Lagos Archdiocese expressed gratitude to the College Administrator, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ayeni, for his unwavering support in promoting the MCA and giving the association a pride of place within the school community. The MCA continues to nurture children in faith, encouraging them to be missionary disciples through prayer, sacrifice, and solidarity with children across the world.
