Nigerians, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, CCR members in particular have been tasked to ensure that they possess the kind of faith that disregards all odds, obstacles and challenges that life throws their way, as they are urged to focus on God and what God wants them to be and have in life. The charge was given by Most Rev. Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP, Emeritus Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, while delivering the homily during the jubilee Mass/thanksgiving, culminating the 50th anniversary celebration of St. Dominic Catholic Charismatic Renewal (Upper Room Community), Yaba, Lagos. Speaking at the event which had as its theme, “50 years of Catholic Charismatic Renewal: The way forward”, Bishop Ayo-Maria said the CCR is a great gift of God to the Church, aiding the faithful to know what God is doing through the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and people.
The Bishop urged the people to work with faith and plug into God’s unlimited power supply for Him (God) to strengthen them and do exploits through them. He said if the next 50 years is to be relevant, the people must be committed to praying consistently and continually. Advising the CCR not to imitate Pentecostals in their prayer pattern, the Bishop urged them to do things the Catholic way, adding that the Church has well developed spirituality to make its members grow. The Bishop said that evangelisation is a very important aspect of the group’s activities as they think of the next 50 years, adding that they need to bring the good news to people. Making remarks on the occasion, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos, urged the CCR to be full of faith and not be discouraged by challenges, as he asked them to take to heart the admonishment given by Bishop Ayo-Maria for charting the pathway for the next 50 years.
Archbishop Martins said the group is supposed to be a people for whom prayer and evangelisation is the ultimate and guide in all things, adding that they be people of quietness rather than exuberance. The Archbishop advised the members not to allow individual ambition disrupt the growth of the association nor the spirituality of Pentecostals take over their spirituality as Catholic Charismatics, as he prayed that the association continues to be the light by which people are brought to God. Giving the keynote Address at the jubilee symposium, Very Rev. Msgr. Paschal Nwaezeapu said the CCR has made enormous contributions in the Church in Nigeria in the last 50 years of its existence.
Among other achievements, he said through the Life in the Spirit Seminar, the CCR has helped in leading many Catholics to an authentic Christian life, characterised by a personal relationship with the Trinity and total dependence on God. Fr. Charles Onwordi, the Parish Priest, giving the vote of thanks, appreciated all who graced the occasion as he commended the Upper Room Community for all they have done and prayed that God continue to use them to do greater things in the Church. On the unveiling of the Grotto in honour of the Holy Spirit, he said: “50 years guided by the Holy Spirit, and we commit our future to the hands of the Holy Spirit that the Holy Spirit will guide our Church, guide us that we may remain faithful to our baptismal promises, and we will be witnesses to the glory of God’s name.” The 10-day golden jubilee celebration took place from August 25 to September 3, 2023, and featured jubilee praise night and lighting of jubilee candle, among other activities.
