by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Collective efforts of the Clergy, the Religious, and Laity are ascribed to have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Church in the Jos Province.
The Jos Ecclesiastical Province of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria has achieved significant growth and development over the years. The Council, which was formed in 1987, is the umbrella body for all Catholic lay organizations in the Ecclesiastical Province of Jos, which covers Plateau, Bauchi, and Gombe States in Nigeria.
The National President of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Sir Hon. Henry H. Yunkwap (KSM), was speaking at the opening of the 2023 Inaugural Maiden Annual General Meeting of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Jos Province, with a theme, ‘The Nigeria Catholic Laity and the 21st Century Challenges: Recognition and Peace by the Church,’ at the Sacred Heart Pastoral Center Jos, over the weekend.
Said he: “As we all know, the Jos Ecclesiastical Province was created on 29th November, 1995. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most active and vibrant provinces in the Nigerian Church.
“Today, with over 4 million Catholics spread across eight Dioceses, it is evident that the province has come a long way – with Bauchi, Maiduguri, Yola, Jalingo, Wukari, Shendam, Pankshin and Jos.
“As a former Provincial President of the Jos Ecclesiastical Province, I can attest to the progress and development that the province has made over the years.”
Sir Yunkwap buttressed that, “One of the significant achievements of the Council is the promotion of the Laity’s active participation in the mission of the church.”
He said the Council has organized various programs and activities that help the Laity understand their role in the Church’s mission and actively participate in it, and has also played a significant role in promoting the Catholic faith in the Ecclesiastical Province of Jos.
The National Laity President further explained that, through its various programs and activities, the Council has helped to deepen the faith of Catholics in the region and also attract new converts to the Catholic Church.
“In addition to promoting the Catholic faith, the Council has also been involved in various charitable activities, and has organized various charity programs aimed at helping the less-privileged in the society.
“The programs include the provision of scholarships for needy students, medical outreach programs, and the support of orphanages and other charitable organizations,” he stated.
Sir Yunkwap stressed that, the Council has been influential in promoting peace and unity in the Ecclesiastical Province of Jos, and has organized various peace-building programs and activities aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding among different ethnic and religious groups in the Province.
“As we celebrate this milestone today, it is essential to note that much is yet to be done. The challenges facing the Catholic Church in Nigeria are enormous, and the Jos Province is not immune to these challenges. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all of us to continue to work together and collaborate more closely to address these challenges,” he urged.
He noted that, “The Jos Ecclesiastical Province of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria has made significant achievements in promoting the Catholic faith, encouraging the Laity’s active participation in the mission of the church, promoting charitable activities, and promoting peace and unity in the region.
“The Council has played a vital role in the development and growth of the Catholic Church in the Ecclesiastical Province of Jos and has been a shining example of the important role played by the Laity in the mission of the church,” he disclosed.
While urging all members to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to the Catholic Church, the National President maintained thus: “Let them continue to work together and support one another to ensure that the church continues to grow and prosper in the Jos Ecclesiastical Province and beyond.
“Finally, it is with immense gratitude and humility to express my gratitude towards the organizers of this event for recognizing my contributions to the Jos Ecclesiastical Province.”
While appreciating them for the award that will be given to him, he said the gesture will always hold a special place in his heart, and assured to remain committed to the growth of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria and Church as whole in every capacity possible.
Laity President of Jos Archdiocese, Sir Simon Emaikwu Abbah (KSM), in his opening remarks, noted that, they need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to go ahead with courage and perseverance with wisdom and vision, in identifying the priorities of the Church in their Province and restructuring the Provincial Laity Council as needed.
He prayed that, God should give them the courage to let go when things need to be changed, “the wisdom to discover new paths to fulfill our mission and the strength to work along these new pathways.”
He emphasized that, this is not where they would disembark and disperse, adding that, next year they will further commit their selves to reflect on the new pathways and directions that will emerge at the Annual General Meeting.
Sir Abbah, observed that, in their meeting, there are difficult decisions to be made and hard conversations to be heard, adding that, their willingness is to have these messy. Difficult and tough decisions and conversations are part of what makes them the Provincial Laity Council.
Also speaking at the meeting, Provincial Laity Council President, Sir Marcillinus Suwa, said “The relativism and permissiveness of our time should be of great worry to us, who are called to be ‘salt of the earth and light of the world.”
He observed that, “Christians are regrettably being impacted on by the world rather than them influencing the world. With an estimate population of 105m Christians and 30m Catholics in Nigeria, and a state of rot in virtually all spheres of life, the question to ask: Where have we lost it? Where are our values? Where are a city built on a hill and must not be hidden?”
He said the Council is inspired to light a lamp and put it on the lamp-stand by organizing a quiz on the Catholic Social Teachings for the Catholic Youth Organisation of their Province, as a way of accumulating the values of the faith.
He narrated that, “The Provincial Laity Council has instituted a yearly celebration of the Patron Saint of the Laity, Thomas More. This is to promote the ideals he stood for, which cost him his life.
“What is our mission in the Church and the world? Are there inhibitions in carrying out this mission? How do we overcome them, if they exist? To bear fruits in the task of the Great Commission, we need to know who we are, assert who we are and be responsible for who and what we are.
“We also have to appreciate who our co-travellers are and the most effective way of journeying together for the ultimate goal of advancing the kingdom of God and fulfilling of the Mission of the Church.
Speaking, while declaring the meeting open, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Ishaya Audu, who was represented by Laity Council Chaplain of the Archdiocese of Jos, Very Rev Fr. Joseph Nyam, urged them to deliberate on how to solve the challenges of the country.
He expatiated, saying, “What are the challenges? The challenges are so many; we are looking for ‘good governance,’ and who are those in governance? – The Laity. So, it is back to you to see people, who are in government are people with mature minds, people of good thinking, people who are up-and-down working hard for the survival of the people and the country and people with good health.”
While observing that their position on the Church is very vital, he asserted that, “You are the one that keeps the Church, supports it with every resources, the Priests and the minority,” and commended the Laity for their efforts, saying, “Without you, the Church would not know where it will be at this time.”