From the Archbishop’s Desk – 4th May, 2025

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 MAY: Welcome to the month of May, 2025 a month in which we continue to celebrate the joys of the Easter Season. In this month, the Church specially draws attention to the mother of the Risen Lord who stood beside her son in his Passion and on the cross, and now shares in His glory having been conferred with the title of Regina Caeli i.e., Queen of heaven. We also celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (May 29th) This solemnity marks the day when we Christians commemorate Our Lord’s glorious entry into heaven, body and soul. It is officially celebrated on the 40th day of Easter. The Ascension feast attests to the reality of the person of Jesus; true God and true man, returning to the Father in order to come again at the Second Coming. Our faith teaches us that meanwhile, He sits at the right hand of God the Father until He comes again to judge the living and the dead. By the feast of the Ascension, may our eyes be turned towards heaven where our true treasure lies. Also, in this month of May, we are enjoined to intensify our devotion to Our Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of the Risen Christ and spouse of the Holy Spirit. As the May devotion commences on the first day of the month, let us be committed to the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary; asking Our Lady’s maternal intercession for ourselves, family and nation. In this month are also some important feast days: St. Joseph the Worker (May 1st), St. Athanasius (May 2nd), Ss. Philip and James (May 3rd), Our Lady of Fatima (May 13th), St. Matthias (May 24th) St. Bernardine of Siena (May 20th), St. Rita of Cascia (May 22nd), St. Philip Neri (May 26th), Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31st).
   

2. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR MAY 2025: For the Unemployed: We pray for those without jobs that the Lord in His mercy will provide gainful employment for them as He guides and directs the decisions of government.
   

3.  JUBILEE OF HOPE PROGRAMME: The Jubilee Year of Hope has begun; and in line with the programme of the Universal Church, various activities have been outlined for us here in the Archdiocese of Lagos. Chaplains and leaders of various associations and groups should kindly take note and begin plans for these programmes in earnest. Below are the activities for the month of May: DATE ACTIVITY ACTION VENUE RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES ACTION PARTY 1st May 2025 Jubilee of Workers and Professionals, Traders, etc Parish Level Memorial Mass of St. Joseph the Worker Young Christian Workers (YCW), Young Catholic Professionals 4 May 2025 Jubilee for Women and Mothers Archdiocesan Level WUCWO Week 2025 Catholic Women Organization, Christian Mothers, St. Ann, etc. 24th – 25th May, 2025 Jubilee for Children Parish Level Gathering of Children in the Parish and to watch lives of Saints (Documentary), such as Blessed Carlo Acutis, Children of Fatima, St. Maria Goretti, St. Therese Guild of Catechists and MCA Coordinators. etc, Children’s Day Celebration 25th May – 1st June, 2025 Jubilee of the World of Communications/ Journalists Parish Level Communications Week and World Communications Day Directorate of Social Communications: Catholic Media Practitioners
   

4. DESIGNATED PILGRIMAGE SITES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR 2025.

 The following parishes have been designated as Pilgrimage Sites in the Archdiocese of throughout the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.

1.  Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.
2. Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, Sangotedo.
3. Ave Maria Grotto, Lekki.
4. Marian Shrine, Maryland.
5. Bethlehem Girls, College, Abule-Ado.
6. Holy Family Catholic Church, Ajara.
7. St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ikorodu.
8. Regina Caeli Catholic Church, Bogije.

Parishes around these pilgrimage sites are to make pilgrimages on the last Saturday of every month or any other day they deem fit throughout the Jubilee Year.

 A Plenary Indulgence is obtained by pilgrims who go to these pilgrimage sites, make a good confession, attend Mass and receive communion and pray for the intention of the Holy Father.

 All Parish Priests and Priests-in-Charge are to sensitize their parishioners on the relevance and importance of this spiritual exercise.

5. Catholic Youths Organization of Nigeria Intensify Skill Acquisition Program May 2025 Cohort 2:

We are excited to announce registration for our May cohort of the Internsify digital skills acquisition program is on and Catholic youths can gain skill sets such as data analysis, cyber security, frontend development, backend development, and virtual assistance to mention a few. The program is open to all Catholic Youths who have graduated from secondary school.

NB: With an initial deposit of N30,000.00 you can commerce virtual classes and pay your balances after Internsify has helped you secure a job at the end of the 4-month course duration. Physical classes can only be paid in two installments. For more details contact Elizabeth: +234 907 387 2269.