Dozens of facilitators that make up the Family and Human Life Unit (FHLU) at various parishes of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos have been charged to teach and preach unity, oneness, empathy and proper communication in our churches in the face of the dwindling family values witnessed in our world today.
This call was made by the conference speakers at the 2025 annual family week conference held at St Anthony Catholic Church GBAJA Surulere Lagos on Saturday.
Speaking at the day’s session was Very Rev. Monsignor Bernard Okoduwa, Parish priest St. Anthony Gbaja (and a member of the ADC Marriage Tribunal) who decried the alarming number of separation cases received by the tribunal. He urged all to prayerfully and intentionally work towards protecting the family institution
In the opening paper presentation, Rev. Fr. Oscar John Obi (of the lay Apostolate Centre Yaba) harped on the central theme coined from John’s Gospel Chapter 17 verse 18- 21, that embodies Jesus’ profound prayer for his disciples before his ascension into heaven.
According to him, Jesus’ desire for oneness mirrors the relationship among the Godhead. He said, “Jesus foresaw a possible crisis and therefore prayed for unity beforehand, not just for the disciples but for others who through their ministry will encounter the Gospel, and that includes our families, our churches, our society and world.”
“The church is a family of brothers and sisters with God as our Father, Jesus our brother, and by extension the family is a domestic church.”
He continued “Marriage and marital bond is reflected to be a model of Christ love for the church. Love acts as a glue holding family together and forgiveness brings peace, as a united and peaceful family births a united and peaceful society, country and the world at large.”
He highlighted the ingredients that strengthens the family to include regular prayers, shared worship and study of God’s word, proper communication, listening skills, parents passing on the faith to the children very intentionally and much more.
Rev Fr. Oscar highlighted what leads to rift among families to include communication breakdown, difference in values, lack of communication, distrust and so on. He advised that resolving family conflict can be achieved via proper communication, empathy, listening ability, appreciation of each other’s efforts etc.
He concluded by saying that despite our differences, Jesus wants us to be one and urges us to be instrument of peace in our homes as it transcends society.
2025 Family Week: Reimagining Marital Unity in a Post-Modern Era
Prof Anthony Okereke on his part, set the tone for the panel discussion as he reflected on marital unity in the post-modern times. According to him, before now, marriage came with pre-determined roles, like man being the head of the home, children belonging to the woman and bread winning solely for the husband; But today it is changing.
“Post modernism is an ideology that refutes fixed narrative/construct of marriage. One that celebrates multiplicity, questions authority and disrupts tradition.” He said, as Marriage now is perceived as a commodity. Where partners must bring something to the table.
He urged us to restore the marriage institution even in these times by cultivating the spirituality of marriage, noting that marriage is not governed by imposed external laws but shaped from within.
“Partners should therefore embrace each other’s differences, cultivate unity not through control or conformity but through grace, inner conviction and emotional growth. Inviting spirituality into our relationship not as a dogma but with depth, and mutual reverence.”
He ended by saying that marriage is not a commodity that is produced wholesale but must be performed daily, intentionally and vulnerably as a life-long practice.
The day’s conference also featured a panel session that shared real life experiences from different age groups with a take home that centers on our intentionality as marriage and family life unit facilitators in the Archdiocese in particular and Christians in general, at addressing the various challenges militating against God’s original plan for families across the world.
The one-day event was part of the activities scheduled to celebrate the 2025 Annual Family Week by the Archdiocese of Lagos under the central theme: “The impact of family wellbeing and sustainability in the spirit of laudato si.”
Laudato si’ (translated as Praise Be to You) is the second encyclical of Pope Francis, subtitled “on care for our common home”. In it, the Pope criticizes consumerism and irresponsible economic development, laments environmental degradation and global warming, and calls all people of the world to take “swift and unified global action.”
Earlier on in a welcome address, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins via video appreciated all for coming, admonishing all to soak in all of the day’s conversations in order to effect the much-needed change the society needs as regards family life.
This year’s family week takes place across all parishes from Sunday August 3rd to Sunday August 10th, 2025, with various sub-topics assigned for each day.
✨ Whether you’re a facilitator, parent, youth, or church member — you have a role in restoring God’s original vision for family.
🔗 Visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng to explore more inspiring content and stay connected with insights, reflections, and tools for building strong, faith-filled families today and into the future.
