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 JUNE: Welcome to the month of June, 2026, a month in which we set out to make disciples of all nations, having celebrated the Passion, death and Resurrection of Christ as well as his Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit promised by Him. This month also marks the end of the first half of the calendar year, just as the Church continues with the Ordinary Time of her Liturgical year; a period of Growth and Renewal. We are again reminded in this season of growth, to fan into flames the gifts of God we have received (2 Tim 1: 6-7). This month which leads us into the second half of the year, should prompt us to examine ourselves as well as the goals, resolutions and plans we had at the beginning of this year. We are thus afforded an opportunity to revaluate our paths and renew our vigour.
2. POPE’S INTENTION FOR JUNE 2026: For the Values of Sports: Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
3. ARCHBISHOP’S INTENTION FOR JUNE 2026: For Catholic Education and Catechesis: We pray for our Catholic schools and religious education, may our educators under the guidance of the Holy Spirit form the children’s consciences in faith, and ensure our Gospel values amid global challenges.
4. JUBILEE YEAR OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI: We are reminded of the Official Jubilee Prayer of St. Francis, which is to be recited daily at Mass, preferably after the Post Communion Prayer or at another 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. The faithful may obtain a Plenary Indulgence during the year by making a devout pilgrimage to any Franciscan Church or any place of worship dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi anywhere in the world, participating there in prayer or a sacred celebration. In addition, the usual conditions must be fulfilled, namely the reception of Holy Communion on the same day, sacramental confession within eight days before or after, and the recitation of the Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be for the intentions of the Holy Father. A spirit of complete detachment from all sin is also required. The sick, the elderly, and those unable to travel may equally obtain the indulgence by uniting themselves spiritually with the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers and sufferings to God.
5. ANTHONY CARDINAL OLUBUNMI OKOGIE “TRIPLE JUBILEE”: The Triple Jubilee: 90th Birthday Anniversary, 60th Priestly Ordination Anniversary and 55th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary celebration of our Archbishop Emeritus comes up on the 16th of June, 2026 at the Holy Cross Cathedral at 10am. Kindly remember him in your prayers and endeavour to book Masses for his special intentions.
6. Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins Catechetical Family Quiz Competition: The following are the areas to cover in preparation for the 2026 Edition: Part A: New Testament: i. Gospel according to St. John ii. First and Second Letters of St. Peter Part B: Old Testament: 9 i. Book of Judges ii. Book of Joshua Part C: Catechism i. The Church and Her teachings (Dogmas and Doctrines) ii. History of the Church iii. Liturgy of the Church iv. Sacred Vessels and Vestments v. Sacraments and Sacramentals Timeline: Parish level Competition: Sunday 6th April, 2026. Deanery level Competition: Sunday 14th June, 2026. Regional level Competition: Sunday 26th July, 2026. Grand Finale: Saturday 19th September, 2026. f. Lagos Archdiocesan National Association of Catholic Lawyers Day with the Archbishop: This is to invite the entire Catholic Lawyers/Benchers/Law Students and the Clergy to the 2026 edition of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Lagos Archdiocese: Day with the Archbishop. Date: 11th June, 2026. Time: 10 am Venue: Catholic Church of the Assumption, Falomo-Ikoyi, Lagos. Chief Host: His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins. Keynote Address: “Justice in a Digital Age: The Catholic Lawyers’ Responsibility in a World of Technology, Misinformation, and Social Change”. Keynote Speaker: Rev. Fr. Raymond Anoliefo For further inquiries, please contact: +2348164339220 or 08023058940 or nacllagos@gmail.com.
7. 6th World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2026: Though 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”.