The School of Missionary Animators (SOMA) program came to a successful close today, Sunday, 1st September 2024 at Bishop's Court, Onikoko, Abeokuta. The four-day event, which brought together over 110 animators from 11 deaneries, focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and spiritual tools needed for effective missionary work.

The talk on the theme "Spiritual Cooperation," delivered by Mr. Michael Adedayo Omonijo. His insightful presentation emphasized the importance of working together spiritually as a united body of Christ to advance the mission of the Church.

He spoke of the collective effort required in building a strong missionary community that can achieve greater impact through spiritual unity.

Following this, the second talk centered on the theme "Together We Share Our Faith," also presented by Mr. Omonijo. He highlighted the crucial role of faith-sharing in missionary work, urging animators to be bold and proactive in spreading the Gospel.

His call to action resonated deeply with the participants, emphasizing that sharing faith is not just a task but a responsibility for every Catholic missionary.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Elegbede started the discourse by delivering a talk on the practical aspects of missionary work. His talk provided practical steps for animators to incorporate the spiritual themes discussed into their everyday missionary activities, making faith-sharing more impactful in their respective communities.

Participants engaged in group discussions on both themes, where they exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and reflected on how best to implement the lessons learnt. The discussions fostered a spirit of collaboration and deeper understanding among the animators, making the program not just an educational experience but a transformative one.

At the closing ceremony, the Diocesan HCA Coordinator Rev. Sr. Cecilia Mary Okwuoseh expressed her gratitude to all participants for their active involvement throughout the program. She encouraged them to put into practice what they had learned, reminding them that the true measure of their success as animators lies in their ability to inspire and guide others in Rev. Sr. Cecilia Mary faith.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Fashola, the PMS Director, urged the animators to be "Action Animators." He emphasized that missionary work should be dynamic and visible, with each animator taking bold steps to actively engage in evangelism. His message was a clear call to action, urging the animators to go beyond the theoretical and to make a tangible difference in their communities.

The SOMA program concluded on a high note, leaving participants energized and ready to take on the challenge of missionary work with renewed passion and commitment. As they returned to their various deaneries, they carried with them the charge to be agents of faith and spiritual cooperation, fulfilling their roles as true animators of the Gospel.

 

The SOMA program concluded with an atmosphere of celebration and reflection. Rev. Sr. Cecilia Mary Okwuoseh, the Diocesan Coordinator for the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) and the program convener, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the participants for their dedication throughout the four days. She commended everyone for their active involvement and urged them to continue the mission of spreading the Gospel.

At the concluding Mass, which was officiated by the Bishop's Secretary, Rev. Fr. Father Joachim Olaoye, the animators gathered in prayer and thanksgiving for the success of the program. The Mass served as a spiritual send-off, reinforcing the participants' commitment to living out the lessons they had learned.

The evening before, the Gala Night was a highlight of the event, filled with lively cultural displays that showcased the rich diversity of the participants. It was a night of joy, fellowship, and entertainment, where the animators bonded through dance, music, and laughter.

Each morning began with invigorating aerobics sessions, helping participants start the day with energy and enthusiasm. The early morning workouts not only kept them physically active but also fostered a sense of community and teamwork.

As the program came to an end, the animators left with renewed vigor, ready to bring what they had learned into their missionary work. The SOMA program may have concluded, but the journey of spiritual cooperation and faith-sharing is just beginning.