- Promotes oneness, family well-being, sustainable environment
- Archbishop Martins urges families to reflect deeply on the sub-themes
The Archdiocese of Lagos is set to hold its 2025 Annual Family Week, beginning with a conference on Saturday, August 2, and daily parish forums from Sunday, August 3 to Sunday, August 10, 2025. Dame Bridget Itsueli, Coordinator of the Family and Human Life Unit (FHLU), disclosed that the opening conference, themed “That We May Be One,” will take place at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gbaja, Surulere, Lagos. According to her, it is designed to be thought-provoking and inspiring for all lay faithful. “This year’s Family Week theme is “The Impact of Environment on Family Well-Being and Sustainability in the Spirit of Laudato Si’.”
The weeklong programme will feature daily discussions in parishes, encouraging families to reflect on their roles in caring for the earth and promoting sustainable living,” she stated. In his address ahead of the Family Week, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins emphasised that the conference theme “That We May Be One” calls everyone to deepen the unity and love that bind us as God’s children. He noted that the focus on environment and family well-being reminds Catholics of their shared responsibility to care for creation. “Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’, challenged us to see creation as God’s gift, entrusted to us to nurture for the good of all, especially the vulnerable and generations to come,” he stated.
Archbishop Martins encouraged families to reflect deeply on the sub-themes, which include “The Goodness of God’s Creation: The Family’s Role in Nurturing the Earth,” “A Healthy Environment Makes a Healthy Family,” and “Children’s Well-Being: Reference to Love of Creation.” He urged parishioners to participate actively, using the Family Week booklet to enrich their homes and Small Christian Communities. The programme will culminate with a closing Mass on Sunday, August 10, featuring the renewal of marriage vows, special family blessings, gifting Sunday, and collections to support the Family and Human Life Unit’s work across the Archdiocese.
“May these reflections renew our families as true agents of ecological conversion and hope in society. May the closing Mass strengthen us to remain faithful witnesses of God’s love and care in the world. May Our Lady, Queen of Families, intercede for us all,” Archbishop Martins prayed.
Sub-Themes by Day
Day One – Sunday, August 3, 2025: “The Goodness of God’s Creation: The Family’s Role in Nurturing the Earth” (Genesis 1:28- 31; LS 67-75).
Day Two – Monday, August 4, 2025: “A Healthy Environment Makes a Healthy Family: Caring for Our Common Home” (Sirach 38:1-8; LS 20-22).
Day Three – Tuesday, August 5, 2025: “Environmental Factors that Ensure Happy and Flourishing Families Across Generations” (Matthew 25:40; LS 49-52, 158).
Day Four – Wednesday, August 6, 2025: “The Environment and the Building of Eco-Spiritual Homes” (Psalm 104:1-30; LS 216-221).
Day Five – Thursday, August 7, 2025: “Children’s Well-Being: Reference to Love of Creation” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; LS 159-162).
Day Six – Friday, August 8, 2025: “Safe Drinking Water and Family Well-Being” (John 4; LS 27-31).
Day Seven – Saturday, August 9, 2025: “Consumerism and Family Values” (Matthew 6:19-21; LS 203-208). (Catholic Couples’ Forum).
Day Eight – Sunday, August 10, 2025: “The Family as Agent of Ecological Conversion and Hope” (Romans 8:19-22; LS 217-221).
Activities include closing Masses in parishes, collections for the work of the Family and Human Life Unit, gifting Sunday, renewal of vows, and special family blessings.
