The Catholic Diocese of Katsina has celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) and Young Missionary Movement (YOMM) with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass held at the Pastoral Centre, Malumfashi.
The anniversary celebration brought together the Bishop, priests, young missionaries, and members of the faithful to commemorate 25 years of missionary formation, faith, service, and commitment to the mission of the Church.
Bishop Leads Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass
The celebration commenced at about 10:00 a.m. with a solemn procession led by the Catholic Bishop of Katsina, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, accompanied by priests and clergy serving in various pastoral capacities within the Diocese.
The Bishop led the Introductory Rites, after which the Director of the Pontifical Missionary Societies (PMS), Rev. Fr. Musa Yusuf Abubakar, delivered the opening remarks.
Young Missionaries Proclaim the Word of God
During the Liturgy of the Word, members of the Holy Childhood Association participated actively in the proclamation of Scripture.
The First Reading was taken from 1 Corinthians 1:26–31, while the Responsorial Psalm was taken from Psalm 33:12–13, 18–19, 20–21. The Gospel according to Mark 6:17–29 was proclaimed by the PMS Director.
Bishop Urges HCA and YOMM Members to Live as Missionaries
In his homily, Bishop Gerald Musa reminded members of HCA and YOMM that they are missionaries called to proclaim and witness to the Gospel through their lives, just as priests and religious persons participate in the missionary mission of the Church.
The Bishop stressed that missionary identity must be reflected not only in words but also in one's conduct and daily choices. He therefore urged the young missionaries to shun stealing, lying, disobedience, and every form of sin, encouraging them instead to become authentic witnesses of Christ wherever they find themselves.
He emphasised that the 25th anniversary should not only be an occasion for thanksgiving but also an opportunity for the young missionaries to renew their commitment to living out their Christian vocation and contributing positively to the mission of the Church.
Eucharist Marks 25 Years of Missionary Journey
The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed, led by Bishop Musa and the concelebrating priests. The gifts of bread and wine were presented at the altar, followed by the Eucharistic Prayer, the Lord's Prayer, the Sign of Peace, the Lamb of God, and the distribution of Holy Communion.
The Eucharistic celebration served as a profound moment of thanksgiving for God's faithfulness throughout the 25 year journey of HCA and YOMM in the Catholic Diocese of Katsina.
The concelebrating clergy represented various dimensions of the Diocese's pastoral mission. Among them were the Diocesan Procurator, Very Rev. Fr. Cyril Ibeh, alongside priests involved in Catholic education, faith formation, development, healthcare, and social communications, including Rev. Fr. Gabriel Saleh Matthew, Very Rev. Fr. Casmir Obi, Rev. Fr. Samaila Chibi, Rev. Fr. Musa Bala, and Rev. Fr. Chibuzor Victor Somadina.
Parishes Give Thanks for 25 Years
Following the Holy Mass, thanksgiving was offered according to the various parishes of the Diocese.
The parish based thanksgiving provided communities across the Diocese with an opportunity to celebrate the 25 year milestone and express gratitude to God for the missionary journey, formation, and contributions of HCA and YOMM.
Renewed Commitment to Missionary Service
The PMS Director, Rev. Fr. Musa Yusuf Abubakar, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing appreciation to the Bishop, clergy, young missionaries, parents, and all who contributed to the success of the anniversary