The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, made a surprise visit to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, urging unity among clergy and laity while calling for strong support of the upcoming 2026 Communications Week (ComWEEK). His visit underscored the importance of media literacy and responsible communication in strengthening the Church’s mission.
CBCN President’s Surprise Visit - A Call for Unity and Communication
In a move that caught many by surprise, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), visited the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Communications Week (ComWEEK).
His presence was more than symbolic; it was a deliberate gesture to emphasize the centrality of communication in the life of the Church and the need for unity in advancing its mission.
ComWEEK, scheduled from May 10 to May 17, 2026, will be celebrated across all Catholic parishes and institutions in Nigeria. The official flag-off will take place at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, with Archbishop Ndagoso himself presiding.
This initiative represents an expansion of the traditional one-day World Communications Day into a week-long program designed to deepen media literacy, foster responsible communication, and encourage Catholics to engage positively with modern media.
Archbishop Ndagoso’s visit to the Secretariat carried a dual message. First, it was a reminder that the Church’s strength lies in unity, between bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful. Second, it was a rallying call for active participation in ComWEEK, which he described as a vital tool for evangelization in today’s digital age.
By urging support for the program, he highlighted the Church’s recognition that communication is not merely technical but profoundly pastoral, shaping how faith is lived and shared.
The CBCN President’s emphasis on communication echoes Pope Francis’ consistent teaching that media should be used to build bridges, promote peace, and inspire hope.
In Nigeria, where misinformation and divisive narratives often dominate public discourse, ComWEEK offers a timely intervention. It seeks to equip Catholics with the skills to discern truth, resist harmful content, and become agents of reconciliation through responsible communication.
This surprise visit also reflects Archbishop Ndagoso’s leadership style, engaged, proactive, and pastoral. By stepping into the Secretariat unannounced, he demonstrated solidarity with the staff and underscored the importance of collaboration at every level of the Church’s structure.
His presence was both encouragement and challenge: encouragement to continue the work of promoting Catholic values through media, and challenge to ensure that ComWEEK becomes a transformative experience for the faithful.
In conclusion, the CBCN President’s visit was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a prophetic act. It reminded the Church in Nigeria that unity and communication are inseparable in the mission of evangelization.
As ComWEEK approaches, the Archbishop’s call should inspire Catholics to embrace the program wholeheartedly, recognizing that in a fractured world, the Church’s voice must be one of truth, peace, and hope.
No comments:
Post a Comment