Shagamu: The Lagos Ecclesiastical Province came alive over the weekend as more than 200 catechists, priests, religious, and lay faithful gathered at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Shagamu, to mark the Jubilee of Catechists within the ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope. The event was a celebration of gratitude, renewal, and recognition of catechists as frontline evangelizers of the Church.
The jubilee began with the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Patrick Balogun, one of the episcopal vicars of the province, which comprises the Archdiocese of Lagos and the Dioceses of Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode. In his homily, Fr. John Aruleba invited the faithful to recognize the Jubilee of Hope as a privileged moment for deepening faith and trust in God.
“Hope makes our faith come alive,” he said, reminding participants that those who walk closely with God daily experience a hope that never disappoints. He urged the faithful to embrace the sacraments as pathways of renewal and communion with Christ.
Fr. Balogun, speaking on behalf of the bishops of the province, offered heartfelt appreciation to the catechists for their unwavering dedication and zeal, especially in challenging pastoral environments. He acknowledged the sacrifices of catechists who often serve without financial support, yet continue to devote their time, talents, and energy to sustaining parish life and nurturing faith communities.
“The bishops acknowledge with gratitude your commitment and zeal for the growth and expansion of the Church where you work,” he said, describing catechists as unsung heroes whose missionary spirit keeps the Gospel alive in the grassroots.
A key highlight of the jubilee was the official presentation of a new catechetical syllabus, titled Formation of Christ’s Disciples. Designed as a teaching guide, the text will serve as the official catechesis resource across the dioceses of Lagos, Abeokuta, and Ijebu Ode. Church leaders expressed confidence that the new syllabus will strengthen formation programs and inspire deeper understanding of Catholic faith and practice among children, youth, and adults.
To encourage and equip catechists in their ministry, the Daughters of St. Paul, in collaboration with the Lagos Ecclesiastical Jubilee of Hope team, distributed catechetical and spiritual books to each catechist for personal formation and study. Organizers emphasized that ongoing self-enrichment is vital for catechists to remain effective as teachers of faith and witnesses of Christ.
As the celebration drew to a close, catechists were reminded of their mission to be ambassadors of hope beyond the parish setting. They were encouraged to radiate Christian hope in their families, workplaces, small Christian communities, and wider society, embodying the Jubilee Year’s call to live as people renewed by faith, hope, and charity.
The event underscored not only the indispensable role of catechists in the growth of the Nigerian Church but also the enduring vision of the Jubilee of Hope: to inspire believers to live with courage, perseverance, and faith in God’s unfailing promises.