From the Archbishop’s Desk – 1th October, 2026

TO ALL PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS WORKING IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LAGOS, AND THE LAY FAITHFUL

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:

1. THE MONTH OF OCTOBER: Welcome to the month of October, the tenth month of the yearwhich also ushers us into the beginning of the fourth quarter. October is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and the Solemnity of Our Lady, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria. During this month, the Church invites us to renew our devotion to praying the Holy Rosary with faith and confidence in the powerful maternal intercession of our Blessed Mother. We are encouraged to make it a daily part of our personal, family and parish prayer. This month, we also celebrate the 66th Independence Anniversary of our beloved country, Nigeria. Let us use this occasion to renew our gratitude to God for the country and to entrust her to His loving care. In these challenging times, let us pray earnestly for peace, security, justice, reconciliation, economic stability, good governance and sustainable progress. May our prayers inspire us to become instruments of unity, peace and the Common Good in our society.

2. POPE’S INTENTION FOR OCTOBER 2026: For mental health ministry: Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

3. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR OCTOBER 2026: For those on Mission: We pray for those on mission, may God strengthen them to bring the Gospel to those who do not know Christ yet, bring solace to those in despair and hope and restoration to those in troubled lands.

4. JUBILEE YEAR OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: We have gone far in the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, and we encourage everyone to continue saying the Jubilee Year prayer at Mass, preferably after the Post Communion Prayer or at any other suitable moment. The faithful are also encouraged to pray the Prayer of St. Francis regularly, as well as for the intentions of the Jubilee: peace, simplicity, reconciliation, and care for creation. These themes should be reflected in the Prayer of the Faithful and in homilies.

5. PMAC 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE: The Provincial Marriage Advisory Care of the Catholic Ecclesiastical province of Lagos invites all the faithful to her Annual conference on 17th October, 2026 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Ikeja. The theme for this year is: “SACRAMENTAL GROOMING AND FULFILLMENT OF OBLIGATIONS.

6. ARCHBISHOP MARTINS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS: With the vision of reaching the Church in the digital space, Our Archbishop, His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has flagged off his social media accounts. We are all encouraged to key into this platform of evangelization by praying, following, sharing, and connecting with His Grace on:* X (Twitter): @AlfredA.Martins, * Instagram: @AlfredAdewaleMartins, * YouTube: +AlfredAdewaleMartins * Facebook: AlfredAdewaleMartins, * TikTok: +AlfredA. Martins. In the same light, we are also invited to follow, subscribe and journey with our Archdiocese on her Social Media platforms on: * X (Twitter):  @Lag_archdiocese * Instagram: lag_archdiocese * YouTube: Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos * Facebook: Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos * TikTok: @arcdioceseoflagosor good governance and the common good.

7. World Mission Sunday 2026: The World Mission Sunday 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 18th October 2026, under the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission.” The celebration marks 100 Years of World Mission Sunday and features the Pope’s Message for the occasion. All the faithful are encouraged to participate actively and support the Church’s missionary efforts through prayer and generous contributions. There is a special collection scheduled for that day and we are expected to do something extra to mark the 100th anniversary.