The 2025 Catholic Lay Leaders Spiritual Pastoral Formation seminar, which held at St. Francis Parish in Oregun, Lagos, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, was a resounding success.
The event brought together Catholic clergies and heads of societies from 20 deaneries, including the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Liturgical functionaries like the Lectors, Choir and several others
Speaking during his Keynote address on the theme “Lay Leaders’ as Beacon of Hope in the Church and Society”, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Akinsowon, Dean of Ikeja Deanery, emphasized the crucial role of lay leaders as beacons of hope in the church and society.
He stressed that true leaders are not appointed by grand offices or sweeping mandates but are chosen by circumstance and community deed to lead with integrity, serve with humility, and illuminate a path forward through everyday actions. Lay leaders, he said “Share in Christ’s priesthood, witness, and transform with courage, compassion, and discernment.”
According to him, Lay leaders are the living presence of the Gospel of Christ and the light of the world. Lay leaders are to use their gifts to mentor, multiply, and invest in the next generation because they cannot afford to enjoy the benefits of the past generation without bequiting to the future. Stressing further, he pointed out that lay leaders are advocates for the vulnerable in society.
He disclosed that it is only when lay Faithfuls embrace their gifts and charism, they become a powerful beacon of hope. “If The Priest must preach the word of God, the Laity must act the word of God. Lay leaders are those who serve the church and the people of God with concomitant commitment with everything that they do” he said.
Fr. Hyacinth Urges Lay Leaders to Embrace Hope, Service, and Succession
Corroborating with the Dean, Very Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Ibe delivered a talk on “The Lay Faithful as Beacon of Hope in the Society,” highlighting the importance of hope as a theological venture. He emphasized that lay leaders have a mission to apply God’s word in their communities and live exemplary lives in humility, love, and service. In his words, “Hope is a theological Venture by which leaders places their trust on Christ’s promises and also relying on the grace of the Holy Spirit.rather than personal strength. ”
He elaborated further referring to the letter of St Paul to the Romans 5::1-4 that we boast in our suffering , endurance produces character and character produces hope. Fr. Hyacinth addressed the delegates further stating that hope is looking towards the kingdom of heaven..
He pointed out that Lay leaders have a mission to apply the word of God in the community where they reside and work, stating that the Laity makes up 99% of the church and is more engaged with the activity of the circular world.
Reflecting on the gospel of John 10:14, he urged Lay leaders to live exemplary lives in humility, love and service, instructing them to use their talents at the service of the church and the world.
Additionally, he presented the following words of Admonission;-
- The Laity should walk in collaboration with the priest.
- There’ must be mutual love and respect between the Clergy and Laity.
- There should be clarity and intentions.
- The Lay leaders must have a good grasp of what the Apostolate entails by investing their time and understanding of the apostolate.
- Know the extent of their positioning.
- Do research and know the manuals.
- The Laity must learn to support each other focusing on the goal which is to transform the world.
In his parting words, he pointed out that lay leaders should develop their social skills to minimize problems and improve themselves in the following: –
- a. Effective communication
- b. Active listening
- c. Emotional intelligence
- d. Empathy
- e. Self Awareness
- f. Conflict resolution
- g. Ability to delegate
- h. Accountability or sense of stewardship
He noted that this are vital for forming and maintaining relationships, getting the best out of others and navigating difficult times.
He added that “Sometimes leadership roles often alienate the leaders and the led. In my opinion this often results from the leader’s overdependence on the structure of governance. The leader must be available and accessible to the led. In the words of late Pope Francis, the shepherd must smell like the sheep. This in turn will build trust and confidence in those that are led.”
Fr. Hyacinth also stressed further that lay leaders should have a succession plan in view because success without a successor is nothing but failure. A good leader must have a heart of discernment coupled with a good sense of right judgement when it comes to choosing a successor. The interest of the group, not that of the leader should play out.
He went further, stating that we must avoid the spirit of “god-fatherism” as exhibited so often in the political sphere.
Lay Leaders Urged to Prioritize Health, Skills, and Faith in Service
Meanwhile, at the summit Dr. Moyosore Makinde presented a talk on “Diseases; A silent Killer; Causes, Triggers and Prevention”, outlining factors contributing to poor health, including unhealthy relationships and substance abuse.
She introduced the acronym DREAMS, which stands for:
- D: Balanced diet
- R: Healthy relationships
- E: Exercise
- A: Avoid using substances
- M: Mental wellness
- S: Stress management and positive psychosis
She also explained that chronic diseases are longtime progressive conditions. According to her, what we do and feed our body with can lead to chronic diseases.
The seminar concluded with a call for lay leaders to develop social skills, including effective communication, active listening, emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness, conflict resolution, ability to delegate, and accountability. The Ikeja Deanery Laity Chairman, Mr. Aloysius Olafusi, gave a vote of thanks, and the communique was read out by Mrs. Augustina Obi. Rev. Fr. Patrick Okoye ended the event with a closing prayer.
The seminar served as a platform for lay leaders in the Catholic church to reflect on their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing the need for collaboration, mutual respect, and a good grasp of the apostolate. As beacons of hope, lay leaders are expected to transform the world by living out their faith in their daily lives, occupations, and interactions with others.
… story by Akpa Evelyn Ogbene
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Evelyn Akpa is a talented voice over artist, model, actress, print and broadcast journalist with over 15 years’ experience spanning print, online and television.
