Lagos – The Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood is celebrating the 25th anniversary since its establishement with a National Congress marked by gratitude for the journey accomplished so far.
“Every Jubilee is a time of remembrance, gratitude and renewal,” wrote Sister Inês Paulo Albino, Secretary General of the Pontifical Society of Missionary Childhood , in a message addressed to children and young people on the occasion of this important anniversary.
Sr. Albino arrived in Nigeria on Friday, August 1, and has been visiting several dioceses to see first-hand the projects supported by the Society. She will be the guest of honour at the National Congress, where on Thursday, August 6, she is scheduled to lead two formation sessions, one for children and another for directors and coordinators.
“In a nation as rich in peoples, cultures and traditions as Nigeria, yet also marked by challenges that test fraternal coexistence, the Gospel continues to proclaim an ever-new truth: Christ is our peace,” Sr. Albino wrote in her message. “He breaks down the walls of hatred, heals the wounds of division and calls everyone to live as brothers and sisters. For this reason, the mission of the Holy Childhood takes on particular significance: educating children in universal fraternity means sowing seeds of peace that will bear abundant fruit for future generations,” she added, referring to a historical period marked by violence and divisions that continue to affect Christian communities.
THE HISTORY OF POSI IN NIGERIA
Missionary Childhood was first introduced in Nigeria in 1993, the year marking the 150th anniversary of its foundation by Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson in Paris in 1843. The anniversary inspired the first steps towards establishing the Society in Nigeria.
The story is recounted by Sr. Mary Bennet Ezeokoli, IHM, whose account, combining personal memoir with historical narrative, captures both the challenges and the enthusiasm that accompanied the birth of the Nigerian branch of POSI.
From 1993 onwards, the Pontifical Mission Societies experienced significant growth. Bishop Hypolite, then National Director of the PMS, immediately called for a proposal on how best to integrate Missionary Childhood into the Nigerian context. His belief was based on the fact that the best way to fully implement the PMS in Nigeria was to start with the POSI.
“After the Biafra War , the government took control of all Church-owned schools in the Biafra region and later throughout the country. As a result, the Church’s direct role in educating children was either removed or drastically reduced,” the text reads.
From that point on, Sr. Mary Bennet Ezeokoli collaborated closely with the National Director of the PMS to develop guidelines, sharing materials and activities aimed at firmly establishing POSI in the local area.
Following the first sessions of SOMA held in 2000 and 2001 in Onitsha, Ibadan and Abuja, the first meeting and seminar for coordinators took place at Regina Pacis Girls Secondary School in Abuja from August 1 to 3, 2001. During the closing Mass on August 3, POSI was officially inaugurated in Nigeria. Twenty-seven coordinators from 17 dioceses who had attended the seminar were present.
“We do not have an equivalent organization for our younger children, either inside or outside the school system. Yet we know that children between the ages of three and fourteen are at the most crucial stage of their development. We must do more for them now,” Sr. Mary Bennet Ezeokoli wrote.
“The answer appears to lie in the Society of the Holy Childhood. In practical terms, this means establishing POSI both in schools and in parishes. With time, patience and hard work, POSI at the school level will eventually achieve in primary schools a status similar to that enjoyed by the Young Catholic Students in secondary schools. It can immediately enjoy that status in our schools and gradually work towards obtaining the same recognition in public schools. Religious education classes provide an excellent opportunity to involve children towards POSI without in any way violating government regulations.”
THE NATIONAL CONGRESS AND SISTER ALBINO’S VISIT
Since yesterday and until August 7, St. Gregory’s College in Lagos will hostthe National Congress of POSI, organized by the Nigerian Pontifical Mission Societies.
At the forefront of the organization are Father Solomon Zaku, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Nigeria, and Sr. Sylvaline Obiezughara, OP, National Coordinator for the Nigerian POSI.
Prayer and formation will be the twofold theme of the congress, whose common thread is “We Are One in Christ.”
‘We Are One in Christ’ leads us to the heart of the Christian mystery,” Sr. Albino wrote in her message. “Saint Paul reminds us that ‘we are all one in Christ Jesus’ . Our unity is not the result of mere human agreement but a gift of the Holy Spirit, who makes us members of the one Body of Christ. From this communion, mission is born: a united Church is a missionary Church; a reconciled community becomes a credible sign of God’s love for the world.”
Last Sunday, the Secretary General visited the Diocese of Abuja, where she met many children and young people. She encouraged them with these words:
“Jesus calls you to be His friends. Nurture this relationship every day through prayer, self-giving, charity, listening to the Word of God and participation in the Sacraments. Do not be afraid to bear witness to your faith with simplicity and joy. Even the smallest acts of kindness, honesty, forgiveness and service can transform people’s lives and make the world a more humane place.”
Sr. Albino also visited the Apostolic Nunciature, while on Monday she met officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, visited the Diocese of Minna and had the opportunity to see projects supported by POSI in Abuja.
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