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 JULY: I warmly welcome you all to the month of July, 2026, a month in which we continue our journey of growth and renewal. As we advance in the Ordinary Time of the Liturgical year we are invited to key into the message of hope that the season offers us. Amidst the political tensions, insecurity, trials, tribulations and crisis in our world, and Nigeria in particular, let us again hear the voice of the Lord who say to us: “Do not be afraid”. The Lord is saying to us individually and collectively; Do not be afraid. Even as we anticipate already the 2027 General Elections, we are called from now to assume moral responsibility for our country Nigeria, by possessing our Permanent Voter’s Card so that we can exercise our franchise and do so with in good conscience. The month of July also presents us with these important feast days: St. Thomas the Apostle (3rd July), St. Benedict (11th July), St. Bonaventure (15th July), St. Mary Magdalene (22nd July), St. James (25th July), Ss. Martha, Mary and Lazarus (29th July), St. Ignatius of Loyola (31st July).
2. POPE’S INTENTION FOR JULY 2026: For Respect for Human Life: Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.
3. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR JULY 2026: For Our Youths: We pray for our youths that they may be protected from exploitation and the anomalies of the times, may they find gainfully employment, find fulfillment in life so that they can become missionaries of hope in families and in society.
4. Singles’ Day & Lunch with the Archbishop: This Archdiocesan Programme planned by the Directorate of the Lay Apostolate in conjunction with the Archdiocesan body of the Divine Mercy Devotion will come up as follows: Theme: Marriage to a Non-Catholic and the Implications for My Catholic Faith Date: Saturday, 22nd August, 2026 Venue: Christ the King Catholic Church Ilasamaja, Surulere Deanery Time: 10:00am starting with the Holy Mass Fee:
5. 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: Alfred. A. Martins · 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: @arcdioceseoflagos
5. 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2026: This celebration comes on Sunday 26th July, 2026, we ask that we begin to make adequate preparations for it. The theme this year which is taken from Isaiah 49:15 is “I will never forget you”.
6. ARCHDIOCESAN ENGAGEMENT FOR MISSION PROGRAMME (AEMP): The Archdiocesan Engagement for Mission Programme (AEMP) is geared towards enhancing parish and lay group engagement, spiritual–commitment and evangelization. While it is required for formal leadership positions in the archdiocese, it is a self-development programme with great personal benefits in all areas of life. All parishioners are encouraged to participate in parish-organized AEMP topics and modules. Faith Formation Officers of Parish Lay Groups and the Leadership and Social Education and Discernment Laity Committees of Laity Councils can organize and implement Peer Study Groups and Sessions using discussion leaders. Parishioners can also participate through Self Study or Private Study Groups. For more information on the AEMP, kindly refer our May 2026 Special Circular.
7. ON OUR COLLECTIVE MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS OUR COUNTRY: As our Nation approaches the elections, the Church urges every eligible citizen to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and exercise their civic responsibility by coming out to vote peacefully, freely, and according to a well-formed conscience. Democracy cannot flourish when good people remain indifferent or absent from the process that shapes their future. Let no one sell their vote, surrender their conscience, or allow fear, ethnicity, religion, money, or political pressure to determine their choice. Rather, let each voter carefully discern and support candidates whose lives, character, competence, integrity, and commitment to the common good inspire confidence. To vote is not merely a civic duty; it is a moral responsibility and an act of stewardship toward the nation we hope to leave to future generations.