The International Catholic Conference of Guiding (ICCG), had its inaugural Mass in the Archdiocese of Lagos at the Holy Cross Cathedral Lagos with the Mass officiated by Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. In his homily, Archbishop Martins welcomed the ICCG to the rank of the associations in the Archdiocese of Lagos, commending the efforts of its leadership, whom God has used to make this resurgence of Girl Guiding possible in the Archdiocese.
He urged them to ensure that the flame of Girl Guiding is kept burning brightly, and continues to flourish, such that our young girls can continue to have equal opportunities to get values like their counterparts in Scouting. The Archbishop urged all Catholic schools, parishes, and the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria to strongly embrace, establish and ensure that girl guiding is part of what they offer as a way of forming young people in the path of life, adding that the same reception be accorded to the Boy Scouts, the Boys Brigade and the Red Cross as an active implementation of the Archdiocesan Youth Policy.
On the Gospel reading of the day (Luke 11:1-4), Archbishop Martins called on all ICCG members to embrace the culture of prayer as the cornerstone of their activities, stressing the need for the Guides to always remember and practice the principles of girl guiding, including politeness, consideration for others, good time management, readiness to help others unconditionally, friendliness, honesty, trustworthiness, optimism and courage. The ICCG was founded in 1948 shortly after World War II to provide a unified platform for Catholic Guides worldwide, helping them integrate their faith with the principles of Guiding.
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) officially recognised it in 1952. It had its first international conference in 1965 and brought together representatives from member countries to discuss and shape the future of Catholic Guiding. In this way, it responded to the call of the Second Vatican Council for more active participation of the lay faithful in the life of the Church. In the 1970s-1980s, it also witnessed expansion into new countries, increasing the diversity and richness of the ICCG community. Since then, the ICCG has grown to include countries around the world. It works closely with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and other international organisations to promote the values of guiding within the context of Catholic teaching.



The ICCG organises international conferences, training sessions, and spiritual retreats for leaders and members, focusing on spiritual growth, leadership development, and community service. Membership is open to all Catholic Guides and Guiding associations committed to integrating faith and guiding. The ICCG complements the work of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association (NGGA). It seeks to augment the work of the NGGA by including the Catholic perspective in guiding. It also provides resources and support for local guiding groups within Catholic parishes and schools. In this way, it emphasises the Christian faith as the means to live an authentic life as Girl Guides.
The significant impact of the ICCG on the lives of countless young girls is felt in the areas of helping them to grow in their faith and develop valuable life skills. Its activities emphasise the importance of living out Catholic values in everyday life, being of service to others and caring for creation. This is achieved through programmes that integrate spiritual education with the traditional guiding activities of outdoor activity, community service, and personal development like faith-based camps, leadership training and pilgrimages.
Among those in attendance were brownies and girl guides from different schools, Rev. Fr. Jerome Omoregie, Chaplain, ICCG Lagos Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Paul Ariole, Archbishop’s Secretary, Rev. Fr Bonaventure Ifedigbo, and Rev. Sr. Emmanuella Anuebu EHJ. Also present on the occasion were key members of NGGA: Mrs. Rhoda Olufunmilola Thomas, Chief Commissioner, NGGA; Ms. Kikelomo Thompson, Deputy Chief Commissioner; Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Matron NGGA; Mrs. Tejiri Okeregbe, the International Commissioner; Mrs. Caroline Akingbesote, the Lagos State Commissioner; Mrs. Blessing Akee, the Lagos State Adviser; Mrs. Funmi Akpekpe, Lagos State Secretary and Mrs. Titilola Efunuga, Lagos State Trainer.