Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

The Catholic Diocese of Uyo played host to the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Pastoral Agents Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. The four-day event, which held from Tuesday, May 20 to Friday, May 23, took place at the Bishop James Moynagh Pastoral Centre, Brook Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The opening ceremony featured a Solemn Mass celebrated by the Host Bishop, Most Rev. John Ayah, who in his homily spoke on the divine and structured nature of the Church. Bishop Ayah emphasized that criticism of the Church is a reflection of its relevance and spiritual authority. “If you are not important, people will not talk about you,” Bishop Ayah said. “The fact that people have the Church on their lips shows that there is something significant about her.”

He described the Church as systemic and divine—from her hierarchical structure to her sacramental life, the laity, religious, and clergy—highlighting that nothing in the Church is haphazard.

In his welcome address, Bishop Ayah recognized the presence of Priests, Religious, Seminary Rectors, and Lay Representatives from all the units of the department. He thanked them for their sacrifice and prayed for divine guidance throughout the meeting.

Delivering remarks at the AGM, the Bishop Chairman of the Pastoral Agents Department and Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, lauded the department’s dedication to the Mission of the Church. He urged members to remain committed to using their “time, talents, and treasures” in the service of God.

Archbishop Okeke presented key decisions of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) from its First Plenary of 2025, which included:

Strengthening financial accountability among lay apostolate groups and pious associations;

Developing a strategic plan for Youth Ministry in Nigeria;

Supporting the release of reformed inmates with minor offences as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope celebration;

Reorganizing the National Association of Catechists;

Encouraging greater lay participation in Church governance;

Promoting faith formation and lay involvement in socio-political advocacy; and

Disseminating the CBCN’s directive on clergy abstaining from partisan politics.

A major highlight of the AGM was the presentation of Committee Reports from various Pastoral Sectors. These reports detailed progress, challenges, and proposed strategies for improved effectiveness across the country. Delegates actively engaged with the reports, offering reactions and suggestions, sparking constructive discussions on the future of pastoral work in Nigeria.

Delivering the Keynote Address on the theme, “Transparency and Integrity in Leadership of Church Organizations”, the Deputy Secretary General and Director of the Pastoral Agents Department, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi, stressed the vital role of ethical leadership in the Church. He described trust and transparency as essential in maintaining the Church’s spiritual and moral influence. “Church organizations operate within a community of faith and trust,” Fr. Okochi stated. “When transparency and integrity are upheld, the Church thrives. Their absence breeds disillusionment and loss of credibility.”

The AGM concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass which was celebrated by Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, CMF, The Bishop of Makurdi and Chairman of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life was concelebrated with His Lordship, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke, the Administrative Bishop of PORTHARCOURT Diocese (Chairman of the Youths Unit) and His Lordship, Most Rev. John Ayah, Bishop of Uyo Diocese (Chairman of the Laity Unit).

During the closing ceremony on Friday, 23rd May 2025 where Bishop Ayah, in his final remarks, thanked participants for their fruitful contributions and encouraged the immediate implementation of the Meeting’s Resolutions across Dioceses. He called for sustained collaboration in advancing the Mission of the Church in Nigeria.