Chaplains in Nigeria to draft a spirituality for Catholic students

Chaplains of Catholic Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria have been called upon to collaborate with the Church in the initiation of programmes that will enhance the spiritual life of Catholic students so that the ministry of chaplains can be more proactive and vibrant in their apostolate.

The call was made by Fr. Charles Ndubisi, Youth Committee Secretary at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in his address to the National Convention of Chaplains of Tertiary Institutions. The convention was held recently at St. Paul’s University, Benin city in Nigeria.

Speaking extensively on, “The relevance of the celebration of the life of consecrated persons and the apostolate of chaplains in the formation of youths,” the Youth Animator urged chaplains to emulate the Holy Father Pope Francis and his message of reaching out. In his words, “(as) people responsible for the formation of young people, we should learn both from the consecrated life and from the message of the Holy Father Pope Francis in, ‘Evangelii Gaudium’ which calls for a missionary Church characterised by new evangelization, new in zeal, new in methods and new in expression,” Fr. Ndubisi said.

Fr. Ndubisi added, “In the spirit of this call, I urge chaplains of tertiary institutions to assist the Church in Nigeria in drafting the spirituality of the Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS). We need a well-defined spirituality, apostolate and practical programmes for NFCS, as a way of assisting them in living their faith.”

Urging the chaplains to be more proactive in their efforts, Fr. Ndubisi declared, “As chaplains, the Church wants you to shepherd the young people in tertiary institutions. Please accompany them always and assist them in making useful decisions about their future,” he emphasised.

(Catholic News Service of Nigeria)

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