Catholics, catechists in particular have been asked to develop, as well as integrate Information Communication Technology (ICT) into catechetical programmes and ensure responsible online engagement, creating a faith community out of the social media and digital space. The charge was given by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, while speaking at the 2024 Catechists’ Day celebration, organised by the Catechesis/Religious Education Department and Lagos Archdiocesan Guild of Catechists (LAGC), held recently at Catholic Church of Ascension, Airport Road, Lagos.
Archbishop Martins commended the catechists for the work they do within the Archdiocese to ensure the transmission of the faith, doctrine and tradition, as he encouraged them to keep up the good work and never relent in propagating the Gospel. Reflecting on the theme, “Information Communication Technology at the service of catechists: Towards an effective evangelisation in Nigeria,” the Archbishop noted that artificial intelligence and social media platforms are veritable tools for evangelisation and catechesis. The Archbishop however, cautioned the catechists to ensure they do not throw away the doctrines or disciplines of the Church on the altar of technology, adding that the place of physical training and administration of sacraments cannot be substituted.
He advised the teachers to renew their catechetical methods, engage diverse audiences, develop critical thinking and discernment skills, balance online presence with personal interaction and ultimately spread the Gospel message. He asked the people to make Jesus the center of their lives, urging them to go out and break new grounds and make efforts to serve in the Church like the catechists by making Christ known to others. Thanking God for a successful celebration, Rev. Fr. Michael Omughele, Archdiocesan Catechists’ Coordinator thanked Archbishop Martins for his support and love for the flock, as well as Mosignori Bernard Okodua and John Aniagwu for their support to the work of catechists and Rev. Fr. Jerome Omoregie, the host Parish Priest and parishioners for accepting that the catechists celebrate in their parish.
He commended the chaplains and Rev. Sr. Judith Madueke, Director, Catechesis/Religious Education Department and her team, as well as the coordinators and catechists for the work they do. For Mr. Clement Ayodele, LAGC President, he thanked God for sparing the lives of the people to witness another Catechists Day, despite challenges confronting the country. He added that through the gathering, the catechists are nourished in their spirituality, commitment, and skill set, as it offers them a chance to strengthen communion among themselves and with their chief catechist, the Archbishop. The event featured the commissioning of over 40 trained catechists, rededication, blessing and vesting anew with new liturgical garments of over 30 male and female catechists as well as unveiling of catechetical social media handles.