Joint Coordinators meeting is an annual general assembly of the Diocesan coordinators of the four arms of The Pontifical Mission Societies namely: Society for the Propagation of Faith (POF), Holy Childhood Association (HCA), St. Peter Apostle (SPA) and Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU). The meeting took place at the Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja from 21st –24th January 2025. The meeting brought together Ninety-Four (94) Coordinators from various Arch/Dioceses in Nigeria.
The event commenced with the arrival of the Diocesan Coordinators at the Resource centre of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on Tuesday 20th January 2025. The opening Mass was celebrated by the Episcopal Chairman of PMS, Most Rev. John Oyejola. In his homily noted that the participants are missionaries and the mission is Jesus, he encouraged the diocesan coordinators not to only prioritize building Physical structures but a strong, faith-filled communities. He emphasized that Jesus was not afraid to lose his life because of the truth. He stated that that those who decided to follow Christ must be courageous people, who are ready to take meaningful risks.
The opening ceremony commenced with the enthronement of the Bible, The PMS National Director, Rev. Fr. Solomon Patrick Zaku welcomed all to the meeting. He told them that the theme of the meeting (“We are missionaries of Hope”) was chosen in line with the Jubilee year of Hope. He called on all to be open and active participants during the meeting. He called on them to make good use of the Jubilee year. He said, “as coordinators of PMS, in planning our activities for this year, we have to avail our members opportunity to benefit from the celebration of the jubilee Year of Hope’’.
The opening ceremony was also attended by the new Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Very Rev Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo. Fr. Banjo welcomed the PMS Coordinators to the meeting and appreciated them for their dedication to mission, while commending the importance of their work of forming the conscience of Children, he charged them to continue to do this with the joy of the Lord. The Director of communications and mission and Dialogue of the catholic secretariat of Nigeria also gave their good will messages.
Rev.Fr. Dr. Isaac Augustine Vasumu from Veritas University, Abuja presented a paper on the theme: “We are missionaries of Hope” He reminded the coordinators of their call
to be beacons of light and hope in these challenging times. He highlighted some areas in the missionary outreach which they must focus on : Holistic/intergral knowledge, Sensitization Campaigns, Social services, community Engagement, Pastoral Care, Advocacy and Peacebuilding initiatives and use of technology as a missionary tool. He concluded with the words of Pope Francis “:..Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it. May the way we live our lives say to them in so many words: Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!’ (Ps 27:14) ... (message on the Jubilee year of Hope, no 25)
The coordinators met in their various groups and presented their diocesan reports and yearly plan.
The meeting ended with the closing mass celebrated by the episcopal Bishop of PMS . The PMS National Director, Rev. Fr. Solomon Patrick Zaku thanked the coordinators for their active participation and commitment to Mission and wished them journey mercies to their various destinations.
