Nigeria: Together on mission … the Church goes forth

The third National Mission Congress (NAMICON 3), taking place in Abuja from 1 October to 4 October, this year will provide the Church in Nigeria with an opportunity for the reappraisal of pastoral activities of the Church in the country, with a view of charting a better future for the new evangelization mission.

This was disclosed by Fr. George Ajana, the Director of Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) Nigeria, when he spoke to the Catholic News Services of Nigeria (CNSNg) in Abuja, recently. According to the PMS director, the congress will jointly be organised by the Pontifical Missions Societies and the Mission unit of the Department of Mission and Dialogue, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.

The theme of the national congress is, “Together on mission … the Church goes forth.” Fr Ajana explained. He expressed optimism that Bishops from all parts of the country will attend the congress because of the importance of the theme to the apostolate of the Church in the country.

According to the PMS director, the congress is for all, starting with Bishops right to the Catholic faithful. He however pointed out that “due to constraints of space and other logistical challenges” only selected delegates of the various religious congregations, sodalities and groups of the Church will be in attendance at the four-day event.

Fr. Ajana further stated that the congress will, among others things discuss the progress made with the implementation of the various decisions of the two previous congresses, that is, successes achieved and challenges experienced.  It will be recalled that the first mission congress took place in Onitsha, Anambra State, while the second congress was held in Ibadan.

Fr. Ajana noted that the congress is unique as it is coming in the Year of Consecrated Life, declared by Pope Francis. “Furthermore, according to the theme of the congress, the call is for the Church in Nigeria to go on mission,” the PMS Director declared.

(Catholic News Service of Nigeria)

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