A COMMUNIQUÉ PRESENTED AT THE END OF ONE DAY LEADERSHIP TRAINING/RETREAT FOR ALL NEWLY ELECTED CWO OFFICERS AT ALL LEVELS BY THE DIOCESAN CWO ON 24TH APRIL 2010.
AFTER HAVING KEY NOTE ADDRESS FROM THE BISHOP OF NNEWI DIOCESE BISHOP HILARY ODILI OKEKE, LECTURE ON RESPONSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP BY REV. FR. HYGI AGHAULO AND LECTURE ON STEWARDSHIP BY MRS SUSSY NWABUE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE TAKEN:

(1.) A leader must take into consideration due process and prudent.
(2.) In leadership our keyword should be “Odira Chukwumma”
(3.) As a leader we should be responsible Stewards, we should be truthful, honest, trustworthy and accountable.
(4.) As a leader, you must be remembered with one thing after your service in the diocese, region, deanery and parish.
(5.) There should be division of labour in our administration
(6.) All the presidents of parishes, deaneries, regions and diocese must work out their mission and vision for the period.
(7.) Leaders at all levels must have a set out goal for their tenure.
(8.) These goals should not only be set out in good time but plans to achieve them well stated. There should be long and short term planning.
(9.) Leadership in the Church should be different from that of the Society. There should be love and unity among Christian leaders. Leaders should be lead by the Holy Spirit.
(10.) There should be proper accountability by leaders in the Church. This can be achieved through delegation of duties by the President. Account should be given at the end of every 6 months. Proper records of every expenses and income should be kept.
(11.) A Church leader should be contented with herself. The secret of a successful leader is contentment.
(12.) The Challenge of this tenure is building the civilization of love, the building of Catholic diocese of Nnewi and Culture of life.
(13.) Stewardship is a divine call with price. Stewardship must be voluntary and sacrificial.
(14.) A leader should use human and material resources to achieve the set goals and objectives.
(15.) A leader must know the way, go the way and show the way. She must sacrifice to achieve the set goat.
(16.) A leader should be time conscious. Use time judiciously.
(17.) A leader should be wise, have self control, cold tempered, versatile and dynamic.
(18.) A leader should be the steward in the group just as the Pope, Bishop, Priest are stewards in the world Diocese and Parishes respectively.
(19.) We should be stewards just as our Mother Mary is unto Mankind.
(20.) A leader should be a good listener, a councilor and should be creative
(21.) Negative reactions of women should not weigh the leader down.
(22.) Let the leader be conscious of what she is doing.
(23.) There must be sincerity and openness in what ever a leader is doing.
(24.) Leadership is no longer in-vogue in the Church but stewardship which we are going to account for even to God.
(25.) All the leaders must be active in the parishes, deaneries and diocese.
(26.) Account should be written monthly and presented every 6 months.
(27.) We should work in team delegate and supervise from time to time.
(28.) A leader should be prayerful especially saying the Rosary before meetings.
(29.) A leader should carry everybody along.

Conclusion
The seminar was very interesting. It was a type of Spiritual lifting. The attendees were very happy because they all achieved one thing or another. We suggest that this type of seminar be conducted every six months. We use this opportunity to thank the organizers, the Bishop and our Chaplain.

 

 

FAITHFULNESS IN THE SERVICE OF GOD AND NATION
Communiqué at the End of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)
at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, Lugbe, Abuja. February 22 - 27, 2010

PREAMBLE
1. We, members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting for the year 2010 at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, Lugbe, Abuja. In the spirit of the Year for Priests (June 19, 2009 to June 28, 2010), declared by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, we prayerfully reflected on the theme: “The Faithfulness of Christ to His Father as Model for Priests”. We now present our communiqué to the Church and to the nation.

EVENTS IN THE CHURCH
2. We recall that on April 18, 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Catholic Church in Nigeria a local Church. Sixty years ago, Lagos and Onitsha were erected Metropolitan Sees, while Calabar, Benin City, Ondo and Owerri became dioceses. Today, to the glory of God, the Church in Nigeria is constituted of 9 Metropolitan Sees, 41 dioceses, and 2 vicariates. In 1950, there was no single Nigerian Bishop, today, out of 64 Bishops, only two are non-Nigerians. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the missionaries of old who brought the faith to us, and the generous response of our people, the Church in Nigeria has come of age. Indeed, three of our clergy have become Cardinals, a few are in the diplomatic service of the Church, and a good number in the Curia of the Holy See and of different religious institutes. Our lay men and women participate actively in Commissions in the Vatican. They are a pride to the local Church and to our country.

3.Since our last Plenary Meeting, which took place in Kafanchan, Kaduna State from September 7 to 12, 2009, the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa took place at the Vatican City from October 4 to 25, 2009.
On February 2, 2010, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI appointed a new Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria. He is Archbishop Augustine Kasujja who is from Uganda. We congratulate him, and we look forward to years of collaboration with him as he arrives Nigeria on March 20, 2010.
Through the ministry of the Successor of St Peter, Christ, our Good Shepherd and High Priest, who never ceases to care for his Church, has appointed Right Rev. Msgr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade as Co-adjutor Bishop of Ondo. His episcopal ordination will take place in Akure, Ondo State, on May 6, 2010. We rejoice with the Bishop-elect, and we ask the Lord to bless him in his new ministry.
On September 19, 2009, in succession to Bishop Ephraim Obot of blessed memory, Most Rev. Anthony Adaji was installed Bishop of Idah. On November 18, 2009, in succession to Bishop Julius Adelakun who has retired, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo took possession of the Diocese of Oyo. And on May 1, 2010, in succession to Bishop Michael Fagun, who is retiring, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye will take possession of the Diocese of Ekiti. May the Lord bless them as they assume the task of shepherds in their dioceses.

4. Three of our brother Bishops have answered the final call. Bishop Anthony Saliu Sanusi, Emeritus Bishop of Ijebu Ode, the oldest Bishop in Nigeria, died on December 8, 2009, and was buried in Ijebu Ode on December 17, 2009. Bishop Christopher Abba of Yola died on January 10, 2010, and was buried in Yola on January 28, 2010, while Bishop John Moore of Bauchi died in Ireland on January 20, 2010, and was buried on January 23, 2010. There will be a Memorial Mass for his happy repose on May 20, 2010 in Bauchi. May these faithful and devoted shepherds rest in the eternal comfort of the Father's house.
In the meantime, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos has been appointed Apostolic Administrator of Bauchi until a new Bishop is appointed, while Rev. Fr. Boniface Atajiri has been elected Diocesan Administrator of Yola.

YEAR FOR PRIESTS, YEAR OF RENEWED FOCUS
5.For us priests, this special year has given us an opportunity to renew and deepen our own focus on Christ, the one and unique High Priest, who has counted us worthy to stand in his presence and serve him (Cf Second Eucharistic Prayer). In faithfulness to his Father's will, and in the depth of his love for all men and women, he who came not to be served but to serve offered on the cross an acceptable sacrifice to his heavenly Father by giving his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). On the night before he died, he gave a lasting memorial of this sacrifice in the Holy Eucharist when he commanded his disciples: “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). This one and unrepeatable sacrifice that Christ offered to the Father on Calvary is made present once again in the Eucharist where his word and the Holy Spirit transform the bread and wine into his body and blood. In the Eucharist, the Gospel of salvation is proclaimed to us, and we receive our High Priest who serves us himself as food for our nourishment. Christ continues to make the sacrifice he offered once and for all present through the action of his priests.
In the Sacrament of Ordination, he communicates his Holy Spirit to his priests and thus configures them to himself. He who is the Priest, the Prophet and the King makes them into new persons sharing in his three-fold office. Acting in the person of Christ (in persona Christi), they are not to lord it over the people (cf. 1 Peter 5:1-5). As St Augustine of Hippo wisely wrote: “We are leaders and we are servants. We lead, but only if we serve.” Called to be imitators of Christ in his faithfulness to the Father and in his limitless love for all men and women in the total gift of ourselves, we too can only lead when we serve ourselves as food, as bread broken to satisfy the hunger of many, and as wine, poured out as blood to give fullness of life to the lifeless. Christ leads us to salvation by his death on the cross. We who are his priests are to lead by dying to self.
6. Nigeria is blessed with many priests who serve within and outside Nigeria. We who used to receive missionaries now send missionaries to other countries. While we thank the Lord for the gift of missionary vocations in Nigeria, we commend all our brother priests, our closest collaborators, for their life and ministry, and for the witness value they represent in the Church and in the world. As Bishops, we pledge to lead in the renewal of faithfulness to values of the Catholic priesthood: simplicity of life, humility and celibate chastity. We rededicate ourselves to the task of ensuring that only those who desire to serve and not to be served will be trained for and accepted to the priesthood. We urge our lay faithful to be mindful of the fact that good priests are born and raised in good families and good parish communities. Since, according to the letter to the Hebrews, “Every high priest is chosen from among men and appointed to serve God on their behalf, to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins” (Heb 5:1), it follows that the quality of Christian family life is itself an antecedent to good and sincere priestly vocations.

A NATION IN NEED OF FAITHFULNESS
7.We note that the Year for Priests and the 50th year of Nigeria's Independence providentially overlap. Fifty years after Independence, our country faces many challenges. We are in dire need of good governance at federal, state and local levels. We need to imbibe a culture of organizing free and fair elections. We must have the political will and build the capacity to fight corruption. The challenge of providing infrastructure is exemplified in chronic energy crisis and a dangerous road network. Nigerians must have equal opportunities to gain access to the wealth of our land. We as a nation have the obligation to tackle the twin problem of unemployment and poverty which largely explains the high level of insecurity in the country. While we commend government for the amnesty process which has brought relative peace to the Niger Delta, we insist that post-amnesty programmes must be faithfully implemented. As was said at the end of the last Synod of Bishops for Africa, “We call on all to allow themselves to be reconciled to God. It is this that opens the way to genuine reconciliation among persons” (Message of the Second Synod of Bishops for Africa, n.7). As priests, we offer ourselves as agents of reconciliation in a country where many are wounded.
How can we live with the contradiction of providing large contingents of peace keeping forces in the troubled spots of Africa while, in our own country, hostility between ethnic and religious communities recur within our borders? How is it that Nigerians end up as refugees in a country they call their own? With the spreading scourge of abduction, we must ask: why and how is it that Nigerians do not feel safe in their homeland?

8. The many challenges we face may be reduced to one. It is the challenge of faithfulness. Indeed, the 50th anniversary of Nigeria's Independence challenges us to reflect on the challenge of faithfulness in the life of our country. In reflecting on the faithfulness of Christ to the mission his Father gave him, we recognize that to be faithful to Nigeria, every citizen must be truthful to our God-given identity and mission as a nation and as individuals. To be faithful is to be truthful to God, to others, to our compatriots, and to our own selves. In the National Pledge, the Nigerian pledges to our country “to be faithful, loyal and honest” and “to serve Nigeria with all my strength”.
We reflect on the faithfulness of Christ at a time when an air of uncertainty surrounds our beloved country. For over three months, we have been faced with a crisis of leadership that is rooted in unwillingness to be truthful in handling issues of governance, we recognize that the faithfulness of Christ challenges all who lead in religious and civil spheres to be faithful to their responsibilities as leaders.
9. As we prepare to mark 50 years of Independence, we need to build a nation motivated by truth, founded on truth, with an orientation to the truth, governed by truth and governed in truth. Our children and our children's children deserve nothing less than this from us. Government and its functionaries should not be seen as working very hard to show that they cannot be trusted. We deplore the contempt with which Nigerians have been repeatedly denied knowledge of the whereabout of Mr President and the true state of his health. When leaders truly serve they are truthful to those they lead. The immorality of dishonesty undermines the authority of government. When leaders truly serve that is when they truly lead.
Government officials assault the psyche of the citizen when their exercise of authority is lacking in transparency and honesty. They violate the citizen's right to good governance. A leadership that truly serves is accountable to the people. It is by so doing that government really protects the people, and protection of the people is the first obligation of government.
News reports say President Umaru Yar'Adua is back in the country. We thank God and we pray for his continued recovery. But in the meantime, the nation should be promptly restored to the path of stability and progress under a clear constitutional leadership. We pray for our Acting President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who now oversees the affairs of our nation. May God bestow on him the wisdom to know what needs to be done and the courage to carry it out promptly and effectively?

10.Faithfulness and credibility also oblige us as a nation to fight the evil of corruption which has made of us an impoverished people living in a richly endowed land. Organs of government put in place to fight corruption must be manned by faithful and competent patriots who will protect the interests of Nigerians and not the interests of those who steal with impunity. Government must make public the outcome of investigations into riots that took place in Jos and other cities. The resources with which the Almighty has blessed Nigeria are such that Nigerians should live in comfort in their own country and not have to be subjected to indignities in foreign lands. If Nigerians are deprived of comfort by corrupt government officials who go unpunished, if the Police that is expected to protect the Nigerian citizen intimidates, tortures and kills the same citizen, it will be difficult to insist that foreign countries respect the human dignity of the Nigerian at their embassies, immigration posts, and in their cities.

THE 2011 ELECTIONS
11.The year 2011 will be another year of test of our faithfulness as individuals and as a nation. Faithfulness to Nigeria must show itself in a credible electoral process. The fact that we are a young democracy is no excuse for a flawed electoral process. Fifty years after Independence, we must exercise a collective will to organize elections we can be proud of. For at the end of such elections, there are no losers, all are winners. We call on political parties and their members, the electoral commission and its officials, the police and the electorate to work together so that ours can be a democracy in name and in fact. We also call on the National Assembly to expedite action in making effective laws for the reform of our electoral process. The fact that the recent gubernatorial election in Anambra State took place in relative peace and tranquility, despite its logistical problems, shows that we have a positive experience to build upon.

CONCLUSION
12. The many problems we face in Nigeria can be overcome if we are faithful in doing the will of God and if, renouncing selfishness, we place ourselves at the loving service of our brothers and sisters. This is the time for us to show the positive transformation that our religious traditions can bring to this country.
On our part, we pledge to use our priestly life and ministry to serve God and our nation. We commend our country Nigeria into the hands of God. We ask our lay faithful to continue to support their priests especially with prayers and wise counsels.
Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests and Queen of Nigeria, may the blessings of Christ, the faithful High Priest, be upon Nigeria.

 

A Communiqué Issued By The Ihiala Regional Pastoral Council At Her First Pastoral Council Meeting of 2010, Held At Sacred Heart Parish, Okija. On The 27th Day Of February, 2010.

The Council after deliberations on varied issues concerning our faith came out with the following:
Many Parishes reported that the cultural committee as directed by the Bishop has been formed and those who have not complied with the directive were asked to do so soonest.

The Council observed that pockets of problems arising from the last elections from unit to the region in all the statutory bodies have been resolved.
On the Regional Secondary School, the Council noted with happiness the approval given to the site at Okija and the name which is St. Mary's Secondary School Okija, which measured 1.72 hectares. Parish Priests were advised to approach architects in their parishes to assist in the requisite drawings, in order to reduce cost.

The Council directed the committee in charge of composing prayer for increase in faith in the region to submit same at the next meeting.
The Council was saddened on the death of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ikwueke whose burial comes up on the 3rd March, 2010.
On the worship of Idols:

(a) Masquerades - "Mmanwu". The Council agreed that henceforth children in this Region are forbidden from being initiated into masquerade cult.
(b) Parents who allow their children to be admitted into the mmanwu cult henceforth will stand suspended from both the statutory body they belong and sacrament with the authority of the Bishop.
(c) Parishioners should report those involved in mmanwu activities to the Parish Priest who should take action immediately.
(d) Parish Council members should be sanitized on issues of faith and should show commitment to their faith.

Coming back to Sacrament; "Imezi Ndu". The Council upheld that the rules of the "Message of Eternal Life" should be followed strictly (see page 76#)
The Council also advised that the rules regarding burial as contained in the "Message of Eternal Life" should be followed strictly (see page 59#).
On the Laity Week: The Council noted that the week is mapped out to help both the Priests and the Lay faithful to understand themselves for proper collaboration.

On Cathedraticum: The Council called on Parishes to use the occasion of the Cathedraticum to show filial love to the Diocesan Bishop.
Parishes were reminded that the Holy Thursday collection which is for the poor will be geared towards Chukwunenye Charity Trust Fund.

Very Rev Fr Hilary Muotoe
Episcopal Vicar,
Ihiala Region.

Bro EgbertMary Ekwomadu
Secretary Ihiala Regional,
Pastoral Council.

30TH SUPREME COUNCIL CONVENTION OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST MULUMBA NIGERIA HELD IN ONITSHA

The Order of the Knights of St Mulumba Nigeria held its 30th Annual Supreme Council Convention from 3rd-6th December 2009 at the Bishop Shanahan Hall of the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.

Goodwill messages were received from the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev Dr Valerian Maduka Okeke, Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev Dr Joseph Edra Ukpo, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State, President of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights, Bro John Starmans, Supreme Knights of the Knights of Peter Claver, New Orleans and Knights of Columbus, Connecticut, U. S. A. The guest lecture on the Convention Theme, "Spiritual Meltdown: A Challenge to the People of God" was given by the Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev Dr Joseph Edra Ukpo.

The Opening Ceremony was declared open by His Grace, Most Rev Dr Valerian Okeke who was represented by Rev Fr. Patrick Omuta. His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, the Governor of Anambra State was represented by the Commissioner for Works and Housing, Bro Calistus lIozumba (KSM), Commissioner for Lands, Bro Peter Afuba (KSM) and Commissioner of Health, Bro (Prof) Linus Amobi lIika. Also present at the opening ceremony were some priests, religious and some National Officers of Ladies of St Mulumba Nigeria.

The Convention which comprised delegates from 9 Metropolitan councils and 174 subordinate councils in Nigeria and Mamfe, South West Cameroons resolved as follows:

The Nigeria nation is witnessing a tremendous spiritual meltdown characterized by overwhelming replacement of core spiritual values and aspirations of love, justice, fair-play, fidelity in marriage, peace and respect for human life by hatred, bitterness, injustice, bribery and corruption, anti-life practices of abortion, homosexuality, contraception, kidnapping and election malpractices. All people of goodwill are urged to be ever vigilant and stand against these vices.

The February 2010 gubernatorial election in Anambra State will be a test case of the Federal Government's political will and seriousness to rebrand Nigeria. The Convention therefore calls for a free and fair election in Anambra State as a prelude to the 2011 general elections in Nigeria. The Convention urges the Federal Government to take the Electoral Reforms seriously by implementing all the major recommendations of the Justice Uwais Committee.

The Convention calls on all Nigerians to pray for the quick recovery of the President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar' Adua and for all victims of violence, kidnapping, injustice and de-humanizing activities.

The continued decline in the education sector was manifested in the over 3 months strike action embarked on by both the academic and non-academic staff unions of the nation's universities from June to October 2009 that could have been nipped in the bud by the Federal Government ab initio. Although the strikes had been suspended, the issues raised by them are yet to be resolved. The half-hearted approach is evident in the subsequent strike embarked upon by secondary and primary school teachers in many states of the federation. The Convention therefore strongly calls on the Federal and State Governments to show more faith in honouring agreements and in building the future of this great country.

The Convention notes with serious concern the growing insecurity in the country, especially the new trend of kidnapping of innocent citizens for ransom. This is totally unacceptable and hence the various governments are called to intensify security efforts to protect all citizens and to bring the perpetrators of such acts to book.

6 The Convention condemns in totality the mindless destruction of lives, churches and properties in Bauchi. Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and other states in the North Eastern zone of the country in the name of religion, disguised as "Boko Haram." Soon after this crisis, some youths in Maiduguri in the name of religion raped to death a young lady on NYSC assignment from Cross River State for dressing in a pair of trousers. The Federal Government is called upon to muster the political will to bring the sponsors and perpetrators of these disturbances to book. Actions necessary to redress these lawless acts should be patriotically and fearlessly handled by the Judiciary and all other organs of government.

The Convention views with seriousness the partial implementation of the amnesty extended to the Niger Delta militants. This is capable of causing another breach of peace in the area and the nation at large. In addition to the amnesty, the federal and state governments should provide a proper framework for youth employment as a panacea for reducing further breach of peace and an enhanced development of the Niger Delta.

The Convention shares the views expressed by many Nigerians that the deregulation of the petroleum sector of the economy with its attendant removal of subsidy on petroleum products is ill-advised because of its tendency for causing more hardship on the citizenry. The Order therefore implores the Federal Government to drop the issue for good but rather embark on building of more refineries within and outside the country through public / private partnership.
Knights should continue to pursue greater knowledge of God and the teachings of the Catholic Church by educating themselves through several available materials and books of the Church.

As in the last Convention, the Order again averred that since the right to life is grounded in the Biblical teachings of the Church, the rights of man in civil society should be understood and exercised within the Divine provisions to protect life at all stages.

11 . The Convention elected the following officers for a term of 4 years:
(a) Deputy Supreme Knight Bro (Engr) Myke-Mary Nwosu
(b) Supreme Secretary Bro (Prof) Anthony O. Emeribe
(c) Supreme Advocate Bro (Barr) Emmanuel Toro, SAN
(d) Supreme Chancellor Bro (Prof) Michael Ogunu
(e) Supreme Treasurer Bro Lawrence Okonofua
(f) Supreme Financial Secretary Bro Aloysius Okafor
(g) Supreme Auditor Bro Greg Esotu
(h) Supreme Physician Bro (Dr) Alex Bazuaye-Ekwuyasi
(i) Supreme Warden Bro (Dr) Emmanuel Akor Ikpam

In conclusion, the Convention thanks His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, the Governor of Anambra State, for his warm reception and visible developmental efforts, the Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Valerian Okeke; the Guest Lecturer, His Grace, Most Rev Dr Joseph Ukpo, the Archbishop of Calabar and all those who made the convention successful in several ways. The Almighty God shall continue to bless and sustain you all in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Chief Anthony C. Onuh
Supreme Knight

A Communiqué From The Diocesan Education Directors/Secretaries Organization After Its 2010 Annual Conference Held In Ibadan Oyo State 9TH-12TH February 2010.

Members of this National Association of Catholic Directors/Secretaries of Education held an annual conference in the Pastoral Institute, B0diJa, Ibadan, Oyo State from 9th - 121b February 2010 to deliberate on the theme: Catholic Education: Authentic Tools for The Millennium Development Goals- Setting the Pace.

The organization is grateful to Cod who made it possible for its members to gather from all the Catholic Dioceses in this country for this year's conference.
Members sincerely thank our Bishops for giving them not only the privilege but also the necessary blessings and supports to operate in the various dioceses to carry out the mission mandate, especially in the area of providing and supervising Catholic Education on behalf of the bishops.

The Conference theme is in line with the objective of Catholic Education which is concerned with the formation of the whole person which embraces man's activities: physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual.

The Conference has, therefore, after an intensive deliberation, come out with the following as a Communiqué:
1. That the Church, as a voluntary agent in education in relation to government's onus and effort to provide education to the Nigerian child, is well disposed to collaborate with the various levels of government in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. This means that government has an invaluable role to play by providing adequate grants-1n-aid to Voluntary Agency's schools.

2. Members of this Catholic Education National Organization are committed to providing functional education to enhance the realization of the Millennium Education Goals through giving our school children functional skills through the teaching of subjects that will provide them with vocational, technical and professional skills which will make them useful to themselves and society.

3. Accordingly, members are committed to exposing the children to subjects and clubs that will help them develop their potentials which will enable them to aspire to perform creditably at any level in human endeavour. It is our belief that this will help meet the Millennium Development Goal of alleviating poverty through self-employment.

4. Dioceses are encouraged to engage the services of qualified and committed teachers and pay them adequately to enable them be effective.

5. We, members of this organization, are committed to promoting gender sensitivity in our schools by giving equal opportunities in education and assignment of functions to both boys and girls.

6. Our organization appreciates and commends the governments that have recognized the invaluable role the voluntary agency plays in education, and have extended their hands of fellowship to the voluntary agency-school system by helping to refurbish schools and give grants-in-aid. Other governments are asked to follow suit.

7. It is pertinent that religious and moral education is stressed in voluntary agency-schools to enable the products of our schools to become the salt of the society.

8. As a matter of urgency, the Church in Nigeria should establish tertiary institutions, especially Colleges of Education to provide quality and well formed teachers to our numerous primary and secondary schools.

9. We, the members of this organization, resolve to put in our best as Directors/Secretaries of education in our various dioceses, as we are the extensions of our Local Ordinaries at this level of provision of education.

Conclusion
The Ibadan Conference, 2010, has been a great success, having covered the various areas that will help Catholic Education to realize the Millennium Development Goals. Thus, we have realized that Catholic Education is indeed a useful and authentic tool for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in all its ramifications. The organization also thanks the Archbishop of Ibadan for a successful! hosting of the Ibadan Conference, 2010.

Very Rev Msgr Dr. Paul Amakiri
National Chairman

Rev Fr Kevin F. Zirrapaghu
National Secretary

The Word of God and the Building of the Nigeria Nation Communiqué at the end of the First Plenary Meeting
of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre,
Sabon Lugbe, Abuja March 9 to 14, 2009

PREAMBLE
1. We, members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting for the year 2009 at the Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre (DRACC), Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, from March 9 to 14, 2009. The theme of our Plenary, "The Word of God in the Life and the Mission of the Church in Nigeria", gave us an opportunity for prayerful reflection on the state of the Church and on the state of our country. We now present our communiqué to the Church and to the nation.

GROWTH IN OUR CHURCH
2. We thank God for the continued growth and vitality of the Church in Nigeria. Since our last Plenary in September 2008, the Holy Father has appointed Most Rev. William Avenya as Auxiliary Bishop of Makurdi. He was ordained Bishop on January 24, 2009. The Pope also appointed Right Rev. Msgr CalIistus Onaga as Bishop of Enugu. He will be ordained to the episcopate on May 2, 2009. While we rejoice with our new Bishop and the Bishop-elect, we felicitate Most Rev. Anthony Gbuji who is retiring as Bishop of Enugu after many years of dedicated service to the Church in Nigeria. As he takes his retirement, we pray the good Lord to continue to bless him with good health.

3. Our venerable brother, Francis Cardinal Arinze, after many years of meritorious service to the Church in Onitsha and to the Universal Church at the Vatican, attained the status of Cardinal-Prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. We thank the Lord for the gift of this great pastor.

4. We rejoice with the Diocese of Umuahia on her golden jubilee which was celebrated on December 6, 2008. May the Lord continue to be with the Bishop, priests, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese.

5. We thank God profoundly for the holy life of Most Rev. Michael Eneja, Bishop-emeritus of Enugu, who returned to the Maker on November 15, 2008. His exemplary life is a sign of blessing to our Church. May he taste unending happiness in the kingdom of God.

6. After our recent visit ad limina, a sign of our communion with the Successor of St Peter, Pope Benedict XVI, the growth in our Church was beautifully captured in these words of the Holy Father: "I was able to see the life of the Church in an important African country, the largest, in fact, with 140 million people, and a large number of Catholics, and so touch the joy and sorrows of the Church. This obviously brings me spiritual peace; since here is a Church as we find in the Acts of the Apostles. It is a Church where there is fresh joy of having found Christ, of having found the Messiah of God. They have vocations, and so can give "Fidei Donum" priests to various countries of the world. To see that there is not only a tired Church, as one often finds in Europe, but a young Church, full of the joy of the Holy Spirit, is certainly spiritual refreshment" (Benedict XVI, To Priests of Rome, February 27, 2009).

OUR SEARCH FOR NATIONHOOD
7. We thank the Almighty God for the resilience, potential and enterprise of the people of Nigeria. This country is blessed with men and women, young and old who can lift her up to a nation we all can be proud of. As the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI once remarked: "the size, population, economic resources and generosity of your people make Nigeria one of the most influential countries on the continent and give her a unique opportunity to support other African countries in achieving the well-being and stability they deserve. The nation has contributed to the many efforts to bring social reconciliation to other lands through its peacekeeping forces, material aid and diplomatic efforts" (Address to Nigeria's Ambassador to the Holy See, May 29, 2008):

8. While there are many reasons for which we Nigerians must thank God, we must not fail to recognize that the journey to nationhood is still long. It is the journey to nationhood. For us, nationhood is a gift and a task. We are yet to build a nation where people dwell in security. Life and property are constantly exposed to danger: the Niger-Delta crisis in the south; the religious conflicts in the north, and ethnic conflicts in different parts of the country. Corruption and theft of public funds, which have largely remained unabated despite our call for prayers, have brought our country to its knees. This is noticeable, for example, in the collapse of infrastructure in the land, in the lack of basic amenities, and in the increasing number of unemployed, in the ever-rising crime wave. The fact is evident that we still have a lot of work to do so that we, our children, and our children's children can have our legitimate aspirations fulfilled and our potentials actualized.

9. We regret lost opportunities for nation building in Nigeria. We are saddened by the recent riots in the cities of Jos and Bauchi, despite our emphasis on dialogue as veritable means of resolving crisis. Each time we witness ethnic and religious conflicts, each time we hold elections lacking in credibility, we lose opportunities to build a nation. Each time the people of our richly endowed land are impoverished through acts of violation of fundamental human rights, each time we make or fall victims of injustice, bribery and corruption, we lose opportunities to build a nation.

CREDIBLE ELECTORAL REFORMS
10. A nation is not just a geographical space. It is an aggregate of people who live a common life rooted in and inspired by common ideals and core values, a common life in which the dignity of every human person is respected. "A' geographical space where people are forced to live together at gunpoint may be called a state, but it cannot be properly called a nation. For us to be a nation, a credible electoral process is imperative. Ongoing attempts to reform the electoral process need to be transparent and thorough. Nigeria needs a truly independent electoral commission and efficient security agencies to secure the electoral process.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS
11. In a world that has become a global village, Nigeria cannot be isolated from the current global economic crisis. For us, in concrete terms, working to build a nation and resolving our own share of the global economic crisis must go hand in hand. Long before the presence of this crisis was acknowledged, Pope John Paul II already warned the world when he said: "Our world shows increasing evidence of another grave threat to peace: many individuals and indeed whole peoples are living today in conditions of extreme poverty. The gap between rich and poor has become more marked, even in the most economically developed nations. This is a problem which the conscience of humanity cannot ignore, since the conditions in which a great number of people are living are an insult to their innate dignity and as a result are a threat to the authentic and harmonious progress of the world community" (John Paul II, World Day of Peace, 1993, quoted by Benedict XVI, World Day of Peace, 2009). We therefore renew our commitment to fight poverty as a way to peace in our land.

12. Unbridled materialism has largely contributed to this global economic crisis. We cannot fail to remind ourselves and the nation that “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Mat. 4:4). Materialism cannot be the sole foundation on which we build our nation. Our nation must be built on spiritual and moral values. Such values will inspire good governance. They will foster the discipline required of leaders and the led. Therein lies the need to acknowledge the relevance of the word of God in our lives as individuals and as a country:

THE WORD OF GOD AND OUR NATION
13. We remain hopeful despite the ups and downs in the history of our country. We believe that the word of God is a light to guide us on our path to nationhood. We believe that "In His goodness and wisdom God chose to reveal Himself and to make known to us the hidden purpose of His will (see Eph.1:9) by which through Christ, the Word made flesh, man might in the Holy Spirit have access to the Father and come to share in the divine nature (see Eph. 2: 18; 2 Peter 1 :4). Through this revelation, therefore, the invisible God (see Col. 1: 15, 1 Tim. I: 17) out of the abundance of His love speaks to human beings as friends (see Ex. 33:11; John 15:14-15) and lives among them (see Bar. 3:38), so that He may invite and take them into fellowship with Himself. This plan of revelation is realized by deeds and words having an inner unity: the deeds wrought by God in the history of salvation manifest and confirm the teaching and realities signified by the words, while the words, proclaim the deeds and clarify the mystery contained in them. By this revelation then, the deepest truth about God and the salvation of human beings shines out for our sake in Christ, who is both the mediator and the fullness of all revelation (Vatican II, Dei Verbum. On Divine Revelation, n.2).

14. God speaks his word to bring all human beings to live in friendship with him and with one another as one family. The word of God proclaims a God who, in his sovereignty, conferred dignity on every member of the human family, irrespective of gender, language, race, tribe, colour or religion. That is why the word of God should be the light for our path to nationhood. That is how the word of God educates us on nation building. We believe that what Nigeria urgently needs is a radical transformation. The word of God can transform our land and its peoples. The word of God transforms the nation by transforming individuals starting in the family which is the nucleus of common life, the domestic Church, the first place where the word of God is to be read, taught and preached so that its members can be good disciples and good citizens. The word of God brings about interior conversion to the truth, to goodness and to love. This interior conversion takes the form of profound attitudinal changes which will be felt in every sector of our life as a nation.

THE WORD OF GOD AND OUR CORE VALUES
15. Given the fact that there can be no nation where there are no shared core values, the word of God teaches those core values necessary for building a nation. Christ, the Word made flesh, has redeemed every race and elevated what is good in every culture. The Incarnate Word of God sheds his light on core values that are inherent in our traditional African cultures. These values, shared by Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic affiliation, can serve as common ground in our quest for nationhood. The word of God teaches us that a core value which we in Nigeria must have is respect for the sovereignty of God in the respect for the dignity of every human person. An overwhelming percentage of Nigerians profess belief in God. But this profession of faith must show itself in the respect of the dignity of every Nigerian as a human being and as a citizen.

16. Our path to nationhood necessarily passes through the way of education. Education for nationhood is education of the whole person. The mind, the character, and the hands of the citizen are to be formed. The error and injustice of taking over schools from religious bodies largely contributed to the current state of our nation. Nigeria urgently needs to return spiritual and moral values to her curriculum of education. It is for this reason that we commend those state governments that have returned schools to their owners. We renew our call, to those states that have not done so, for the return of schools to religious bodies. We ask for cooperation in the education sector between government and religious bodies so that the poor especially can have access to good education.

RELIGION AS INSTRUMENT FOR PEACE
17. Religion has been blamed for many conflicts in this country. But, contrary to a certain opinion, religion is not a threat to nationhood. Abuse of religion is. It is not religion that threatens our peaceful coexistence. It is the misreading and misuse of sacred texts of venerable religious traditions by preachers who are either inadequately formed or not at all formed for the preaching ministry in a multi-religious entity such as Nigeria. Ours is a country full of places of worship, of churches, mosques and shrines. But this is nothing if we do not heed the word of God, and worse still, if the same word is misinterpreted and abused through incompetent and or mischievous preaching. These sacred texts can and should be used to form religious adherents to respect and promote the dignity of every human person and the sanctity of other people's belongings.

18. We acknowledge, commend and encourage the initiatives undertaken by the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) towards a peaceful coexistence, particularly between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. The Council has been able to bring together not only Christian and Muslim religious leaders, but also Christian and Muslim youths. We support the Council's plans to bring together Christians and Muslims. We see in these initiatives proactive measures against violence, and a strong foundation for peace and stability. It is our hope that these initiatives will have reverberating effects throughout the length and breadth of our country.

ELECTION OF CBCN EXECUTIVE
19. The Conference elected its executive for a three-year mandate. Most Rev. Felix Job, Archbishop of Ibadan was re-elected President; Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos, was re-elected Vice President; Most Rev. Alfred Martins, Bishop of Abeokuta, was elected Secretary; and Most Rev. William Avenya, Auxiliary Bishop of Makurdi was elected Assistant Secretary. We pray for their successful tenure.

CONCLUSION
20. This season of Lent is a time for renewal of each person, of our nation, and of the Church in our country. It is a time for more attentive listening to the word of God. May our spiritual exercises during this season bring us into better relationship with God and with one another so that we may become the type of people and nation the Lord wants us to be. Our problems are many. But the Lord God is Almighty. If we cooperate with Him our country can be great. We encourage and challenge our public office holders in the executive arm of government, in the legislature, in the judiciary, and indeed Nigerians in every sector of our nation to draw light from the word of God.

21. As we approach the end of the year of St Paul, we call on every Christian family to intensify devotion to the word of God through devotional reading, daily meditation, Bible sharing, celebration of the liturgy of the word, and witnessing. May St Paul, the Great Apostle to the nations, intercede for us that our faith be stronger, and that this faith manifest itself in the dedicated service of each and all to the common good.

May Mary, Queen of Nigeria, who obediently received the Word in her heart and conceived him in her womb, pray for us that we too may receive the Word in our own hearts and become better disciples and good citizens.

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts" (Ps 94:7-8).

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COMMUNIQUE OF THE PASTORAL COUNCIL OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF NNEWI, HELD ON SATURDAY 7TH NOVEMBER, 2009 AT THE UTILITY HALL, BISHOP'S HOUSE, NNEWI

Preamble
The members of the Nnewi Catholic Diocesan Pastoral Council in their second meeting of the year at the Utility Hall of the Bishop's House, after prayerfully discussing the pastoral and socio-political situation issued the following communique:

1. RECENT EVENTS
a. Motor Accident of the Bishop and His Fellow Travellers
The Diocese of Nnewi experienced both sad news and good news. On the 14th Septembers, 2009, the Bishop was involved in a motor accident with the members of his entourage on their way back from Kaduna where they went to meet the members of Nnewi Catholic Diocesan Community, Kaduna. The Bishop, Sr. Julie Agbakoba, MC and the Bishop's driver, Mr. Gabriel Anyigbo survived the accident. We thank God. Sadly, the Secretary to the Bishop and the Director of Liturgy, Rev. Fr. Nonso Anaedo lost his life. His death was a shock to the Family of God of Nnewi Diocese. May God give him eternal rest! Amen.

The Council is grateful to Mr. Peter Obi, the Executive Governor of Anambra State for the help which he rendered towards the treatment of the Bishop in Germany and the burial of Fr. Nonso Anaedo. In his personal capacity, he established a trust fund for training of seminarians. May God bless and reward our Governor for his kindness and generosity.
b. New Parishes

We are happy that our diocese is growing. This year, the Bishop, Most Rev, Hilary Odili Okeke established five new parishes: St. Philip Parish Nnewi (from St. John Cross Parish, Nnewi); St. Stephen's Parish, Utuh; (from St. Peter Claver's Parish, Utuh), St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ozubulu and St John the Baptist Parish, Ozubulu (from St. Joseph's Parish, Ozubulu) and St. Hyacinth Parish, Amichi (from Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, Amichi). We wish the new parishes growth in the Spirit, in love and numbers.

c. New Priests
In this Year of Priests declared by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, we rejoice that the Lord has added eleven new priests to Nnewi Diocesan presbyterium bringing the number of diocesan priests of the Diocese to 202. We are praying for them and for all priests so that through their ministry, the people of God will grow in holiness and assurance of eternal salvation.

d. St. Paul's School of Theological Studies, Nnewi
Our Diocese has embarked on theological formation of the Laity through the establishment of St. Paul's School of Theological Studies, a Saturday programme for the enrichment of the knowledge of the Christian faith leading to the award of Certificate and Diploma in Theology. The pioneer students number 150. The School is temporarily using the Media House. A permanent site for the school is yet to be secured. We solicit assistance for the getting and construction of the permanent site. The inauguration of the School and the matriculation of the pioneer students will be on the 23rd January 2010.

e. Return of Secondary Schools to the Catholic Mission and Anglican Communion
The Anambra State Government has taken the right step in returning secondary schools to voluntary agencies (missions), their original owners. We thank His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi for keeping faith with the people of Anambra State. In returning the schools, he is trying to correct the mistakes of the past that ruined education. While thanking our Governor and the members of the Anambra House of Assembly, we continue to ask for the return, as a matter of justice and for the good of the people, of all primary schools forcibly taken over from the Missions after the Nigeria-Biafra war. Moreover, the Government should give a special grant to the missions to rebuild the schools devastated by neglect since the government takeover.

2. ADDRESSING THE SOCIAL SITUATION IN ANAMBRA STATE
a. State of Insecurity
The state of insecurity in Anambra State has become frightening and unbearable, especially with the rampant kidnapping. There is no need to politicize the matter. The situation is such that all must turn to God as the security agents are unequal to the challenges of the criminals. In view of that, a week for special prayers for security in Anambra State has been declared from 15th to 22nd November 2009. All Parishes are to organize this week of prayer.

b. Governorship Election in Anambra State:
The Council is worried about the uncertainty surrounding the office of the Governor at the expiration of the present term of Mr. Peter Obi in March 2010. The judiciary is advised to think of the common good, justice and truth and give a judgment without fear or favour. For the coming election and any other election, all Catholics who are eligible to vote are to consider the common good of Anambra State which challenges them to vote according to their consciences.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS
a. Cathedral Reconstruction
The Council notes with joy the efforts being put in place for the reconstruction of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral. It commends the work of the Committee charged with the design. However, a day is yet to be fixed in the diocese to raise fund in support of the Cathedral reconstruction. Everybody is invited to support the proposed Cathedral reconstruction so that our Diocese will get a befitting Cathedral.

b. New Salary Structure and Remuneration of Church Employees
The Council concluded the work of revising and harmonizing the salary and remuneration packages of all categories of employees in the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi. The new package which will be released by the Bishop took into consideration the demands for social justice and the ability of the Church in arriving at what is to be considered just remuneration for Church employees. All employers are to use the new structure as the benchmark.

c. Chukwunenye Charity Trust Fund
The Diocese embarked on fight against poverty by establishing Chukwunenye Charity Trust Fund. Interested persons, parishes, societies and companies are solicited to contribute generously to the Fund for alleviation of poverty through ethical investment and disbursement of funds for the relief of human suffering. The members of the Board of Trustees are the diocesan Bishop, financial administrator, Facilitator Nnewi Diocesan Pastoral Council, Chairman of Diocesan Laity Council, Diocesan Presidents of C.M.O, C.W.O, C.G.O, C.Y.O.N and Ex-officio members (Bank Board members). The Board is yet to be inaugurated.

4. COMING EVENTS
a. Year of Priests:
June 17th, 2009 to June 18th, 2010 is the year of priests. It is a year to be devoted to the study of the priesthood and for special prayers for and celebration of priests. Parishes are to set aside a day in the parish to study the importance of the priesthood and to celebrate and encourage the priests working in their parishes.

b. CBCN Collection
Sunday 15th November, 2009 has been set aside to raise fund for the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. Every member of the Family of God on Mission in Nnewi Diocese is to give generously according to one's ability for the Catholic Bishop's Conference of Nigeria.

c. RECDOT
The Council appreciates highly the work which is going on in the Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled, Old People and Tramps (RECDOT), Ozubulu. It requested all Parishes, statutory organizations and individuals to attend the 10th anniversary celebration and support the fund raising of this humanitarian organization (RECDOT) on the 28th November, 2009.

d. Igbo Cultural Week and 8th Anniversary Celebration
The Council adopted the plan to celebrate Igbo Cultural Week as a means of promoting authentic Igbo culture and combating neo-paganism in the guise of Igbo cultural revival. The Igbo Cultural Week will be celebrated from 7th to 14th February 2010. The Cultural Week will feature cultural presentations from Ashanti Kingdom Kumasi Ghana and Tiv culture, from Benue. The Cultural week celebration will be concluded with the 8th Anniversary of the diocese on 13th February, 2010.

5. MANDATES
The Council gave the following directives:
a. Parishes, Statutory organizations, pious societies that have not opened account with Chukwunenye Microfinance Bank must do so before the end of December, 2009. All account openings for all church monies must be by the Bishop's mandate and no account should be opened in any bank without the permission of the Bishop.
b. Parishes and other Church organizations are to note that the Sole Trustee of the Diocese is the Bishop. For that reason the title or agreement for the purchase or grant of land should be between the grantor/leaser and the Registered Trustee of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi (for the Parish/Institution or organization). The Diocesan Legal Advisor, Rev. Fr. Maurice Izunwa is to be involved for his expert advice and for the preparation of the necessary documents.
c. All Parishes and Institutions should study the proposals made by the cultural committee on cultural matters and make their recommendations. These are to be submitted to the Diocesan Secretariat, Nnewi before the end of January 2010.
e. Clearances: While clearances are important to determine the status of a Catholic, monetary considerations should never be the principal element. Rather efforts should be made to seek out the lost and to encourage the return of the prodigal sons and daughters of the Church. Love and mutual up-building are to be the primary concern. We should celebrate the return of the lost brothers and sisters and not scare them aware with fines and levies. It must be restated that nobody is to place obstacles on the way for those who approach the Church for the reception of the Sacraments. We encourage every Catholic to carry out his or her duties promptly and regularly. In case of death, the clearance has to be only for the dead person. We need to build up families of love and mutual support, especially at the time of crises of life. The Bishop is to issue a pastoral letter on the issue of clearances.

5. CONCLUSION
The Council enjoined all in the diocese to do their best to serve God in sincerity, honesty, integrity, dedication, joy and love. May the Lord bless us as we render our services to Him.

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COMMUNIQUÉ OF NNEWI DIOCESAN LAY READERS RISING FROM ONE-DAY SEMINAR ORGANIZED BY NNEWI DIOCESAN LITURGY COMMISSION ON 14 NOVEMBER, 2009, AT ST MICHAEL'S PARISH UMUDIM

For genuine and ordered liturgical ministry in our parishes, the participants agreed on the following:

1. That reading of the Word of God during Liturgical Celebration in a reportive manner is improper, and should not be done.

2. The person who reads a liturgical piece or reading should not announce the theme, neither does he/she say first or second reading, nor responsorial psalm or quote the chapter or verse. Rather, he/she says 'A reading from…” The response is simply given and the people respond accordingly. The reader is not supposed to say “Response” after each versicle or verse

3. Silence is to be observed after each lesson, readings, and at the end of homily.

4. During funeral Mass, the response to the prayer of the faithful should be general and not particular on the deceased.

5. The name “Yahweh” should always be replaced with “Lord” or Dinwenu” as instructed by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.

6. Bowing during Liturgical Celebration should be uniform and same for both men and women.

7. Singing of the responsorial Psalm is encouraged. But it has to be done with the understanding of the choir.

8. Parishes should endeavour to provide Lay readers with hoods that correspond to the colours of the church's liturgical seasons.

9. Bulletin should be put in the Bible or Lectionary while the reader goes to the lectern, and the reading should be done right from the inserted bulletin.

10. Readers for Sunday Masses are advised to prepare properly, rehearse four days before, in order to be familiar with what is to be read.

11. Lay Readers in the Diocese want to maintain a sense of identity and show solidarity with one another, and love for the ministry of the word. Hence, a “Motto” has been chosen as follows: “Lay Readers”, The response shall be, “Proclaim the Good News.”

The Diocesan Lay Readers entrust themselves into the hands of God and of Jesus Christ the Living word, effective servants of the Good news.