ComWEEK Through the Years – Building a Tradition of Communication

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ComWEEK Through the Years - Building a Tradition of Communication

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has steadily nurtured Communications Week (ComWEEK) into a vital tradition for the Nigerian Church.

What began as an extension of World Communications Day has grown into a nationwide program that engages parishes, dioceses, and institutions in a week-long reflection on the role of media in evangelization.

Each edition has carried a distinct theme, echoing the global Church’s emphasis on responsible communication, truth-telling, and the use of media as a tool for unity.  

In its early years, ComWEEK was modest, often limited to parish-level talks and workshops. Yet even then, the seeds of a broader vision were evident. The CBCN recognized that Nigeria’s complex media landscape, marked by both vibrant journalism and the challenges of misinformation, required a deliberate pastoral response.

By expanding the celebration into a week, the bishops sought to give Catholics the time and space to engage deeply with issues of communication, rather than confining them to a single day of reflection.  

Over time, ComWEEK became more structured, with dioceses organizing seminars, panel discussions, and training sessions on media literacy. Past editions emphasized themes such as “Listening with the Ear of the Heart” and “Speaking the Truth in Love,” aligning with Pope Francis’ global communications messages.

These themes were not abstract; they were contextualized to Nigeria’s realities, encouraging Catholics to resist divisive narratives, promote peace, and use digital platforms responsibly.  

The program also evolved to include practical workshops, teaching young people and parish media teams how to harness social media for evangelization. In some dioceses, ComWEEK became a platform for showcasing Catholic media initiatives, from radio programs to parish newsletters, reinforcing the idea that communication is a shared responsibility across the Church.  

Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso’s recent surprise visit to the Catholic Secretariat ahead of the 2026 edition highlights how far ComWEEK has come. His call for unity and support reflects the bishops’ conviction that communication is not peripheral but central to the Church’s mission.

The continuity of past celebrations provides the foundation for this year’s expanded vision, ensuring that ComWEEK remains not just an annual event but a living tradition that strengthens the Church’s voice in society.  

In tracing its history, one sees a clear trajectory: from modest beginnings to a robust national program, ComWEEK has become a cornerstone of the CBCN’s pastoral strategy.

Each year builds upon the last, weaving together themes of truth, unity, and responsible media engagement.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2026 celebration, the past serves as both inspiration and challenge, to deepen the Church’s commitment to communication as a force for evangelization and reconciliation.