Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria

25/05/2026

THE STAFF OF THE CATHOLIC SECRETARIAT OF NIGERIA AND ITS AGENCIES CELEBRATE PENTECOST IN A UNIQUE WAY
By
Peter Oluwasanmi Adubi

The celebration of Pentecost at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and the agencies of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) was marked today with a deeply spiritual and meaningful tradition during the staff morning prayers.

As has become a cherished custom every Pentecost season, members of staff prayerfully picked gift cards bearing the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit—a symbolic and faith-filled exercise that serves as a reminder of the Holy Spirit's active presence in the life of every believer. More than a tradition, it was a moment of personal reflection and spiritual renewal, inviting each staff member to embrace a particular grace and virtue for their Christian journey.

The solemn gathering was beautifully enriched with hymns invoking the Holy Spirit, creating an atmosphere of prayer, reverence, and worship. In unity and faith, staff members made personal spiritual commitments and prayed fervently for the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and sustain them in their daily lives and mission.

In his remarks, the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria commended the annual Pentecost tradition of selecting the gift cards, noting its spiritual significance in helping staff remain open to the promptings and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He also expressed gratitude to all staff members for wholeheartedly embracing and sustaining the practice over the years.

The solemn celebration concluded with the Lauds of the Liturgy of the Hours, followed by the closing prayer and blessing imparted by the Secretary General.

As the Church celebrates Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit continue to renew hearts and set His people aflame with wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

"Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has formalized a partnership with the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Abuja Grand Commandery, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The KSJI Abuja Grand Commandery is led by Grand President Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku and the Grand Respected President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Noble Sister Amaka Umeokeke. This significant collaboration underscores the CSN's commitment to fostering national transformation through faith formation and active Christian witness. As part of this partnership, members of the KSJI Abuja Grand Commandery will participate in a structured course focused on the Social Teaching of the Church. The Secretary General of the CSN emphasized during the signing ceremony that authentic Christian faith should extend beyond personal devotion to inspire responsible societal action. He highlighted that creating a better Nigeria begins with individuals whose consciences are well-formed and lives guided by principles of justice, peace, integrity, charity, and the common good. Citing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council in Lumen Gentium No. 31, he reminded the lay faithful of their divine calling to contribute to the sanctification of the world from within. He encouraged the Knights and Ladies to continue defending their faith through lives reflecting Gospel values and dedicated service to humanity, rather than mere words or ceremonies. The formation program aims to enhance participants' understanding of key Catholic social values, including human dignity, the common good, solidarity, justice and peace, responsible citizenship, and care for the vulnerable. Grand President Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku appreciated the initiative, noting its timeliness and potential benefits to both the Church and society. The CSN also acknowledged Rev. Fr. Augustine Akhogba's role in coordinating the Social Teaching of the Church program and structuring the initiative. Through this partnership, both organizations aim to build faith-filled leaders dedicated to transforming society through the Gospel's teachings.

29/04/2026

Know your Priests working at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
Mention their names and offices

03/04/2026

Stay tuned,we shall be live by 3:00pm today for Good Friday Service

01/04/2026

Homily of Wednesday of the Holy Week by the Secretary General, Very Rev.Fr. Michael Banjo.

01/03/2026

CBCN PLENARY CLOSING MASS

01/03/2026

AD LIMINA APOSTOLORUM

With hearts lifted in gratitude to God, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) joyfully announces that the first group of members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), following the successful conclusion of their 2026 First Plenary Assembly, have departed Nigeria and arrived safely in Vatican City for their sacred Ad Limina Apostolorum Visit. We bless the Lord for journey mercies and commend this pilgrimage of faith to His abiding care.

The Ad Limina Apostolorum—a cherished ecclesial tradition observed every 5 years—draws bishops “to the thresholds of the Apostles.” In prayerful communion, they venerate the tombs of Saint Peter at St Peter's Basilica and Saint Paul at Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, while also visiting the other Major Papal Basilicas: the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. These moments anchor the bishops in apostolic faith and mission.

Throughout the visit, our shepherds pray, renew their apostolic zeal, engage the Roman Curia, and meet the Holy Father—presenting a comprehensive account of the pastoral life, challenges, and hopes of the dioceses entrusted to them. It is a powerful sign of communion with the Successor of Peter and with the Universal Church.

As a spiritual preparation for the formal Ad Limina programme (1–16 March 2026), the bishops gathered for Holy Mass yesterday and again this morning in the Chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. Today’s Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, who also marks his birthday. With filial affection, we pray: May the Lord grant him many more years of fruitful service in His vineyard. Amen.

We warmly invite all the faithful to keep our bishops in fervent prayer—that this Ad Limina Visit may bear abundant spiritual fruit, strengthen the mission of the Church in Nigeria and beyond, and that the Lord may grant peace to our troubled world.

Mary, Queen of Apostles, pray for us.

24/02/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria joyfully announces the newly elected officials of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN):

President: Most Rev.Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, Archbishop of Kaduna

Vice President: Most Rev.Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos

Secretary:Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, Bishop of Abeokuta

Assistant Secretary: Most. Rev Peter Chukwu, Bishop of Abakaliki

As these shepherds begin their four-year mandate, we commend them to your prayers, asking the Lord to grant them wisdom, unity, and pastoral zeal as they serve the Church and promote the common good.