We are all called to support the work of the Church whose ultimate mission is the salvation of souls. A very tall order. We work, pray, and hope for the salvation of our individual souls. The dream or hope of living with God for eternity in the hereafter is the greatest joy to hold in one’s heart. But our work is not done if we only pursue our individual salvation, not minding those of others. We cannot profess that there is another fellowship in heaven and then care less about recruitment for that fellowship.

Just the random thought of a fanatical lay person.    Thank you.

In this world, the Church is a place of fellowship and a ground for preparation for the world that we hope for. We come together to share our pains and our joys,  to participate in the most sacred, most holy, celebration of the memorial enjoined of us by the one who laid down His life for the salvation of souls. 

For this, many young men have given their lives to ensure that Mass is celebrated worthily; that the lay faithful understand what we believe. They lead, and we follow in the proper ways to manage the spiritual as well as temporal affairs of the Church.  Nuns are brides of Christ who have given up married life, remaining faithful in their bond with Him, and committed to the service of His flock. They give so much that they are mostly stressed out, some suffer irreversible damage to their health. Can we ask them for more?

The rest of us, called lay men and lay women are called to show Christ in our lives. To live in His way. To order our lives in His Truth. To allow Him to take possession of our life. We are organized in different societies with the intention of nourishing our souls, deepening our faith, and serving the Body of Christ. As individuals and as groups, service opportunities abound for us. The Church of today is a vast improvement compared to the Church of fifty years ago. It is a result of many hands on deck.

When we are overwhelmed by the challenges that confront us in the way of serving Him, just relax, you will find out that He who gave the challenge has also provided the way of overcoming it towards success.

The life of Mother Angelica is a study in how seemingly unsurmountable obstacles can be scaled with devotion, persistence, and the grace of God. She was a nun with no experience in broadcasting, no money to fund her dreams, no immediate personnel. What she had was a dream, a vision. She went after that vision and worked on it. Through all impediments she founded Eternal World Television Network, EWTN, which today is the world’s largest religious media outfit.

The Laity Council of Ibadan was the butt of uncomplimentary jokes at gatherings of the national body, even of the provincial body. Why? Ibadan, as a city, was and remains an object of fascination for people outside of her - the size, the history, the politics, the many research institutes, the many firsts. But the Laity council of Ibadan was not reckoned with due to its lackluster performance in many areas. Ibadan Laity Council owed years in arrears of financial contributions to the national body.

At the 1995 convention in Orlu, the national body decided to bring the next convention to Ibadan as a means of waking up the sleepy giant. The national body gave encouragement and gave all necessary logistic support. The provincial body lent its full support. The four suffragan dioceses (at that time) of Ekiti, Ondo, Osogbo, and Oyo were all in.

The 1996 convention at Ibadan turned out to be a remarkable success. A trophy for the best improved council was introduced, and Ibadan became its first winner. It was triumph of teamwork. Since then, there has been no looking back for Ibadan Laity Council.

Teamwork is essential for development. When we pull together, we can do it.

 

 Ayo Fasoro

(Non Sum Dignus)