…As Singles celebrate Day with Archbishop
Catholic youths have been asked to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, willing to take risks, bold in their witness to the Gospel, as well as be rooted and grounded in the faith and teachings of the Church. The charge was given by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos in his keynote address, delivered during the celebration of the Singles’ Day with the Archbishop, with the theme, “Youthful and useful: The panacea to Surviving the Times”, held recently at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ilasamaja, Lagos.
Archbishop Martins who was represented by Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olaitan, Episcopal Vicar, Lagos Region, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, urged the young people to cultivate a deep interior life of prayer and contemplation, so as to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ. The Archbishop said that at a time marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and global challenges, with the county particularly, faced with economic hardship and rising tensions, the Church and society look towards the youths and young adults in this generation with the hope of making a difference in a world full of chaos, uncertainty, and moral decay. He added that the collective future of the people hinges on the energy, commitment, creativity and resilience of the young adults.
According to him, embracing a youthful spirit and striving to be useful becomes an antidote to navigating these complex times, as he urged the people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the challenges of the time. While delivering the homily, Fr. Olaitan urged parents to create time for their children, and ensure they know what their wards are up to, adding that many youths have been involved in vices such as substance abuse which is detrimental to their wellbeing. He asked the youths to ensure that they are useful as young people, so that they turn out to be useful and responsible adults in future.
In his welcome address, Very Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Ibe, Director, Lay Apostolate and Chaplain, Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council, urged the young people to offer their youthfulness as gifts to God, as well as put it to great use as the key to surviving the contemporary challenges that confront them. He said one of the challenges many youths struggle with is the decline in moral values and standards, adding that a society where morals are compromised, is set on the path of destruction.
