Religious persons have been tasked to keep the catechism of the Catholic Church at hand, to find the truth that the Church believes and to use it to correct and direct the community of consecrated life towards the truth and good. The charge was given by His Excellency, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi, Apostolate Nuncio to Nigeria, while delivering the homily at Mass and opening ceremony of the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Joint Conference of Major Superiors of Nigeria, with the theme, “Intergenerational dialogue: Towards building synergy in consecrated life in Nigeria”, held at Domus Fidei, Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Generalate, Ikeja, Lagos. Bishop Filipazzi said that the catechism of the Church must be the starting point of initial formation since not all Catholics, religious inclusive have a good knowledge of the fundamental truth of their faith. He urged the religious to seek for the complete truth about Christ, as the Church teaches it and not be dominated by philosophical, psychological or sociological theories evolving at the moment. Stating that every male and female chosen must constantly make Jesus Christ their model, the Nuncio asked the religious to fix their eyes on Jesus, contemplating the various mysteries of his life.
He noted that sometimes even the consecrated life’s attention seems to be monopolised by our ego and by the world, rather than by the one who they are called to serve. Describing the relationship between the Archdiocese and the consecrated person in the area of pastoral affair, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, said a lot depends on the collaboration that exists between the leaders. He said that if there is adequate understanding, openness to one another, and understanding of the roles that each one has to play, there will be no difficulty in the pastoral, apostolate among other link of the religious life. He urged them that in carrying through the duties that they have been entrusted, either as diocese or as a religious institute, they should ensure they expand the kingdom of God. He said: “The pastoral activities that we carry out, and the witness that we will bear to the people to whom we have been sent is very vital.” Speaking on the essence of the AGM, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Nworuh SMMM, Provincial President, Men and President of Men and Female Religious, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, said it is to have a formidable and collaborative dialogue that enhances the religious life and also brings to proper understanding on the consecrated life of all the religious. He disclosed that the characteristic element of the religious vow, namely, the vow of chastity, obedience and poverty have been challenging factors, as well as the cordial relationship which should exist between the religious communities of various congregations.
