Mr. David Dedekuma is a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) since 2010. He was elected as President, Apostleship of Prayer League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Archdiocese of Lagos in 2016. In this interview with the Editor, NETA NWOSU,he speaks on the essence of the Apostleship of Prayer League, its impact on the Catholic faith, contributions to the growth of the Lagos Archdiocese, how the society has fared in the past 100 years, its centenary celebrations and Pope Francis renaming of the League among other salient issues. Excerpts:
Congratulations on the centenary celebrations of the Apostleship of Prayer League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Nigeria. Please narrate very briefly the history of Apostleship of Prayer these past 100 years, particularly in the Archdiocese of Lagos.
The Apostleship of Prayer League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, founded in France in 1844 came into Nigeria in 1922 at Holy Cross Cathedral Lagos by Rev. Fr. John Selwyn SMA, and spread to other parts of the country. However, the society has existed for over 150 Years worldwide. As a dynamic apostolate, was directed in 2010 by Pope Benedict X1V to commence the process of re-recreation. The process was handled by the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) who are custodians of the society all over the world. At the end, the Group was proclaimed a pontifical mission group, a new nomenclature was added to the name – The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network -Apostleship of Prayer League of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (PWPN) in Nigeria.
Why should a Catholic join the Apostleship of Prayer? What would a Catholic miss by not belonging to this pious society?
Plenary indulgence to be gained by becoming a member having duly fulfilled the usual conditions of confession, communion and prayer for the intentions of Holy Father we make or renew at least privately, the promise to observe faithfully the statutes of the Association on the day of our admission and on the of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. More so, on the Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Principal Patron) of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Christ the King, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Apostle Peter and Paul, and once a year on the day of the same consecration is renewed. Also, as a Catholic you will enjoy the 12 promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as devotee.
Please share your personal experiences as a member of the society.
I feel fulfilled on daily basis after saying my daily offering and meditations. It gives me joy and makes me to be confident on my daily activities. I have gained numerous blessings and favours from Scared Heart of Jesus as a devotee.
How has the Apostleship of Prayer enhanced the Catholic faith and promoted the growth of the Lagos Archdiocese as well as the Catholic Church in Nigeria?
We have enhanced the Catholic faith and promoted the growth of the Lagos Archdiocese as well as the Catholic We have enhanced the Catholic faith and promoted the growth of the Lagos Archdiocese as well as the Catholic Church in Nigeria by daily praying the Pope’s, Bishops’ and Priests’ Monthly intentions in union with the Holy Mass throughout the World and also carried out various propagations activities for the salvation of souls, charity work and support various Church programmes. Church in Nigeria by daily praying the Pope’s, Bishops’ and Priests’ Monthly intentions in union with the Holy Mass throughout the World and also carried out various propagations activities for the salvation of souls, charity work and support various Church programmes.
How has the Apostleship of Prayer fared these past 100 years in Lagos Archdiocese and Nigeria? Are you satisfied with the level of its growth so far in the Archdiocese?
As a Group we have done well to the glory of God. We have carried out propagation in Lagos and beyond. I’m highly satisfied with the level of our growth and by His grace we will grow higher.
Please tell us how the society intends to mark this landmark occasion?
There are several activities lined up, namely: Eucharistic adoration, Quiz, Symposium, Charity Visitation and Centenary Celebrations followed by Thanksgiving and Centenary recognition awards.
After 100 years, what next for the Apostleship of Prayer?
To reposition the society as well as ensure continuous and rapid growth of the society in Lagos Archdiocese. In 2016, Pope Francis renamed Apostleship of Prayer, Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (PWPN). 12 years after, Apostleship of Prayer is still retaining its initial name. Why is this so? What are the challenges? The society has been renamed as you mentioned. We only make reference to it for clarity.
In over 89 countries, PWPN has an arm, the Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM), dedicated to young people between the ages of 8 and 18 years, does Apostleship of Prayer in Nigeria have EYM?
Yes, we have, and active across Parishes in Nigeria. Our Eucharistic Youth Movement (EYM) in Lagos Archdiocese has grown from strength to strength. Aims of creating the junior wing have been achieved. They participate actively on various Catholic Youths of Nigeria activities and engage at EYM National activities. There are many EYM annual programmes we organise for them to ensure we train them properly in the Catholic faith, prepare them for the task ahead in life and to support them to remain as Catholics who practice their faith diligently, and above all as future leaders.