Oluwafunmilayo Ojo OMOYENI

Our Lady of Perpetual Light Chapel, OAU, recently had a joyful triple celebration as they commence their Laity Week, the Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) Final Year Brethren (FYB) had their thanksgiving, and the handing over of leadership ceremony from the outgoing executives of NFCS to the incoming executives.

During the celebration, Fr. Michael Akinsode explained the significance of the laity, reminding everyone that apart from the clergy, every other member of the parish is lay person and belong to the Laity group. Whether in the Church, classroom, or marketplace, each person has a role to play in God’s mission.

While addressing the graduands, Fr. Akinsode urged them not to give up by saying “If you think it’s over, you need to think again”. He encouraged them to remain strong, noting that challenges will come and that with faith in God, that every challenge shall be surmounted, and that their journey to a new life is just beginning.

Speaking further, he emphasized that even though there will be times of war, God still calls us to be instruments of peace. Drawing from scriptures such as Isaiah 9:6–7, John 20:19–21, Matthew 5:9, and Romans 12:18, he reminded all present that peace is both a calling and a command.

The NFCS executive team of 2024/2025 academic led by Mr. Emmanuel Peter handed over the mantle of leadership to the newly elected executive members with Mr. Chibogu Stephen as the new President, who will steer the affairs of the federation come next academic session. The past excos were all honoured and the newly inaugurated were prayed for by Fr. Michael Akinsode

The celebration concluded with the timeless prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.”

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