The School of Missionary Animators (SOMA) of the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA), Lagos Archdiocese recently held its 2023 session at different dates in the four regions. The Archdiocesan MCA School of Missionary Animators (SOMA) is an annual event specifically designed for animators to come together to learn, unlearn, share ideas, and build networks. Lekki and Ikeja regions had their SOMA on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Lumen Christi Retreat Centre, Lekki and a total of 214 animators were present. The event took place in Badagry and Lagos regions on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Festac and had a total of 292 animators in attendance. The facilitators, Rev. Fr. Ikenna Ikechi, SJ, Rev. Sr. Freda Ehimuan RSC and Mrs. Anthonia Ogbeifun, Administrative Secretary, PMS National Secretariat, Abuja presented papers respectively on “We are children of one Father – God – In Mission for Christ with the Children”; “Child protection and safe guarding of MCA Children” and “MCA Meeting Animation and the “Role of the Animators of MCA.” It was indeed an impactful session.
As summer holiday commences, three MCA children recount what they are most grateful for
‘I am very grateful to my parents for making sure I attend a school of high standard’
In this life, there are so many things to be grateful for and to enjoy on this earth. I love attending school and never miss an opportunity to do so; it is like having a second home. Also because I have my friends who are my trusted supporters. I always share experiences with them; they also make learning fun for me. It is truly a blessing for me to have them, and I will miss going for sports and other school activities. I am grateful for my teachers’ efforts on me, I am very grateful to my parents who are making sure I attend a school of standard. I am so grateful to God for this precious gift of life and for the opportunity to write this note of gratitude.
Here are some benefits we will gain from this lengthy vacation:
• It improves your physical and mental health.
• It improves family relationships.
• It boosts your happiness and gives you enough time to stay with your family.
• It enables us to travel from one place to another becauseit is part of education.
• It improves your mental motivation and makes you learn skills
• Orji Francisca, St. Francis Catholic Church, Idimu, Isolo Deanery
‘I am grateful to God for being alive’
I am grateful to God for being alive, for giving me a very good life and for providing for my family and blessing us abundantly. I am thanking God for making me pass my examinations and for giving me wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I am also thankful for what my teachers have done for me, especially for their support. I am also grateful to my parents; they always support me, they teach me good morals, and pay my school fees. They care and provide food for me and my siblings, and I pray that God will continue to provide for them. I am also thankful for my friends, for having my back always and supporting me. May God bless all these people I have mentioned through Christ our Lord, Amen.
• Ejeh Daniel, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ishawo, Ikorodu Deanery
I am happy that my school has closed for the summer holiday. Therefore, I am grateful to God for my teachers, friends, and parents for what they have done for me. Below are some reasons why I am grateful.
My Teachers There are so many reasons why I am grateful to God for my teachers, some of them are:
• They protect me from bad friends.
• They teach me to become a better person in the future.
My Parents have helped me in so many ways which have enhanced my academic and moral success. They stand as a strong pillar to me. They are ready to support me to become a better person in the future. They protect me against bad people, they provide for my needs, they guide me through the right paths, they clothe me and they shelter me. My Friends My friends are my classmates who I see as my companions, playmates and peers.
• Abu Damian, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ojota, Maryland Deanery.
