Daniel UGWO

About 200 Catholic lectors from across the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo gathered on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Parakin, Ile-Ife, for the ministry’s second congress. Recall that the first congress after the maiden diocesan Lectors’ commissioning in 2018 took place March 12, 2022 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ayetoro, Osogbo, Osun State.

The 2026 congress featured intensive re-training on liturgical proclamation, constitutional review, and the inauguration of an electoral committee to oversee upcoming diocesan executive elections. The programme commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by Modakeke Deanery’s Lectors Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Michael Ajayi.

Delivering the homily, Fr. Ajayi charged scripture proclaimers to mirror their daily lives after the holy texts they read. Drawing a parallel to John the Baptist, the cleric urged lectors to stand for the truth without fear or favour. He prayed for God's grace upon all ministers to ensure their personal conduct consistently reflects the Gospel message.

During the welcome address, the Diocesan President of CLAN, Mr. John Ogah, expressed gratitude to God and welcomed delegates from various deaneries. He commended the 2026 Congress Planning Committee, chaired by Daniel Sam’ Ugwo, for organizing a successful event. Mr. Ogah also conveyed the blessings of the Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ogundipe, who was unavoidably absent but monitored the proceedings by proxy.

In the second phase of the congress, Rev. Fr. Michael Ajayi delivered a keynote paper titled "Who Is a Lector? Characteristics and Spirituality of the Lector". Fr. Ajayi emphasized that a lector is not merely a reader, but a minister through whom Christ becomes present in the proclaimed Word, just as He is present in the Eucharistic elements. He reminded participants that the call to proclaim scripture is fundamentally a call to personal conversion and authentic Christian witness. To enhance liturgical delivery across parishes, Fr. Ajayi outlined practical techniques for effective proclamation. It includes: Spiritual & Physical Preparation, Handling Stage Nervousness, Voice Projection & Enunciation, Pacing, Pausing & Eye Contact amongst others.  

In a related context during the gathering, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adebisi, the Coordinator and Principal of the Diocesan Bible School, addressed participants on the necessity of formal scriptural education.  Fr. Adebisi noted that the Bible School, which was established in 2024, has progressed from Genesis to the Gospel of St. Mark. He explained that operations were temporarily suspended in Ibokun/Ilesa and Otan/Inisa deaneries due to low attendance, while active centres continue in Ede, Osogbo, Ife, and Modakeke deaneries. Fr. Adebisi challenged lectors and members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN) to enrol en masse, stressing that "Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of the Word of God".

Highlighting key benefits of the academic programme, he noted that graduates may earn a Diploma in Religious Studies upon completion, suitable for Academic Qualification which may present holders with employment opportunities to teach Christian Religious Studies (CRS) or moral instruction in Catholic schools across the diocese. Additionally, he emphasized that deep biblical knowledge enables lectors to speak with the conviction of true prophets. He announced that the current academic cycle ends in December, with a new session scheduled to begin in January. He also acknowledged Mr. Paul Taiwo Obatoyin for stepping in to take a class in his absence having journeyed with the programme from the beginning.

The third segment of the congress focused on internal governance and structural realignment. A constitution review committee headed by Daniel Sam’ Ugwo presented their findings for possible amendment. Delegates reviewed and amended the association’s constitution to align its provisions with contemporary pastoral realities. Context has now been updated into law, awaiting assent by the Bishop.

Furthermore, the congress formally constituted an Electoral Committee tasked with conducting elections for new diocesan officers. The elections have been scheduled to take place on October 3, 2026, at St. Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Popo, Osogbo.

The event drew prominent clergy and lay leaders from across the region, including: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Michael Okodua, Rev. Fr. Michael Ajayi (Modakeke Deanery Chaplain), Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adebisi (Principal, Diocesan Bible School), Rev. Fr. Francis Bamigboye (Ife Deanery Chaplain).

The successful congress concluded with renewed commitment from the participating lectors to serve as faithful proclaimers and living witnesses of God’s Word across Osogbo Diocese.