Welcome to Caritas Nigeria Day 2024!
The 2024 Caritas Nigeria Day was celebrated this week at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Durumi Abuja. It was a day filled with gratitude for the Catholic Secretariat, especially the staff and management of the local Church’s humanitarian arm – Caritas Nigeria.
Vatican News with Delphine Asu– Abuja.
Caritas Nigeria Day is a yearly event that was inaugurated in 2010. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on the local Church’s humanitarian efforts and the obstacles they face.
Towards a more holistic service
The week’s activities commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Catholic Secretariat’s Chaplaincy, under the theme “Giving back to the community.”
The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by the Ordinary of Wukari Diocese, Bishop Mark Maigida Nzukwein. In his sermon, the Bishop applauded Caritas Nigeria for reaching over 10 million beneficiaries since 2010. He further urged the staff of Caritas Nigeria to strive for a more comprehensive service for their clients.
Reflecting on the journey so far, the Executive Secretary and CEO of Caritas Nigeria, Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechin, stressed the importance of a generous approach to humanitarian service that embodies a compassionate heart and spirit.
In his opening remarks, Fr. Peter Babangida Audu, the Deputy Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, appealed for empathy towards the needs of society’s underprivileged.
Fr. Audu went on to say, “We are called to be a light in a darkened, broken world. To identify with those in misery and suffering. The little you give will go a long way in building our society and creating a harmonious environment.”
Human dignity and charity work
Fr. Michael Banjo, Deputy Secretary-General at CSN, encouraged Caritas Nigeria staff and all those working with disadvantaged individuals to always uphold the dignity of the human person, including those we perceive as “the poor.”
“Charity is not charity until your heart is involved in your actions. Our human dignity remains intact, regardless of our circumstances. Even the most despicable individuals still possess human dignity,” said Fr. Banjo.
Celebrate humanity and charity work by spreading love and kindness!
