Mr. Daniel AGALA 

The Archdiocesan Board of Church Wardens held the second edition of its Leadership Training Seminar Theme: Balancing Spiritual Leadership with Practical Oversight on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, with a renewed focus this year. 

The program began with the celebration of the Holy Mass. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ogboli drew from the day’s Gospel, where Jesus continued His farewell message to the disciples: “You will weep. The world will reject you for my sake."

He reminded the Board that, just as Christ ascended to heaven after completing His mission, we too will one day return to give an account of our stewardship. As Church wardens, our duties must not be taken lightly. Our hospitality and conduct speak volumes about our understanding of our role in the life of the Church. Insults and challenges we face are borne for Christ’s sake, and we are called to endure them as He did, knowing our reward is in heaven. 

Fr. Ogboli urged wardens to avoid becoming a source of distraction, but to maintain orderliness in the Church and uphold the rules and regulations of the association. He stressed the need for a prayerful life, asking God for the grace to serve Him well in His people. 

He concluded by advising that wardens must strive to do things rightly. Our personal conduct reflects on the Church as an institution. Once we are aware of our calling and ministry, we must move from being merely ceremonial wardens to spiritually grounded ones. Though it is not easy, the grace of God is sufficient.

Mr. Simon Seneya who was the facilitator on the leadership training seminar, one of the key programs of the year with the theme "Balancing Spiritual Leadership with Practical Oversight.” emphasized that a leader’s spiritual life should shape the behavior of others. Wardens are to assist priests in ensuring that the right thing is done during liturgical celebrations. A good understanding of the Church’s liturgical rules and regulations enables us to lead correctly. Our comportment during Mass is crucial, and we must cultivate the habit of praying before, during, and after every Eucharistic celebration. 

As role models, we must do the right thing in the right way and show others that we are light to follow, in the Church, our communities, and among friends and families. Church wardens are partners with the priest in the progress of the parish.

On practical oversight, Mr. Seneya explained that it concerns management, coordination, and the content of programs and events. These must be educative, spiritually and academically, it must also be goal-oriented, and structured. A sound and acceptable channel of communication is essential. 

Our responsibilities go beyond officiating at liturgical celebrations; they extend within and outside the Church premises. As partners to the priest, we must not keep observations to ourselves. Our suggestions should be made known, remembering that ministry involves division of labor. The priest cannot do it alone, and our liturgical duty is to support him.

He also advised that every member has a part to play in fulfilling the mission of the Church. Our actions and inactions either contribute to or hinder the growth and development of the Church. Our roles must align with the mission of the Church, and we must protect its image at all times. Leadership should be exercised with humility. 

Once we notice something wrong, we should not keep silent. Safeguarding and protecting Church property is a primary objective. Accountability extends beyond money to include the accurate dissemination of information. Continuous learning is necessary, learn what is good, share it with others, and grow together. This builds strong relationships among us.

In conclusion, balancing spiritual leadership and practical oversight is about ensuring that every practical act is informed by spiritual purpose, and that every spiritual goal is supported by sound practice.”