It was another year for Catechists in the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos to renew their commitment and dedication before the Chief Shepherd and Chief Catechist, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins. The 2021 Catechists Day with the Archbishop took place recently at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gbaja, Surulere with the Archbishop as the Chief Celebrant, ably supported by the host Parish priest, Very Rev. Msgr. Benard Okodua. In his homily, the Chief Catechist reminded all catechists to continue to make the sacrifice of winning souls for God, adding that they should serve God with their hearts and minds. He asked ‘What must I do to inherit the kingdom of God’? Noting that the choices we make every day are steps that will take us to our eternal home or to hell.
He said ‘it is not enough to do the minimum. We are required to do more. It is not enough to obey the commandments. Let nothing stand in your way. Do not let your faith fail. Do not be hesitant,’ he emphasised. He further asked, ‘What is there in my life that is so important that I am ready to choose it over and above following Jesus? Why? Let it go!!! Make a choice. Do you choose wealth, destruction of enemies etc.? Be wise like Solomon who chose wisdom. In Nigeria, the Catechetical Week Programme is organised by the National Association of Directors of Religious Education [NADRE], and the theme for this year is: Proliferation of prayer houses and ministries in Nigeria: Towards a proper Catechesis. .After the Holy Mass, there was reception at the Church hall/ compound.
The Chief Catechist took turns to greet all Catechists (dressed in their uniforms) seated according to their Deaneries/ Regions. At the reception, the Archbishop was offered gifts by Catechists, region by region. Another high point of the event was the commissioning of new Catechists. About 21 evangelisers across the Archdiocese were commissioned. The director of Religious Education Department Rev. Sr. Judith Madueke, EHJ was full of joy for the success of 2021 Catechists’ Day and thanked the Archbishop for, once again, making the annual event a memorable one. The one week long programme ended with the grand finale hosted by the Archbishop, tagged ‘Catechists Day with the Archbishop”.
