Adedayo OMONIJO

History was made on 23rd May, 2026, as members of the Young Missionary Movement of Nigeria (YOMM), Abeokuta Diocese, gathered at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Igbesa, Ogun State, for the Diocesan Seminar and Leadership Workshop for the year. The event brought together 91 young missionaries from different parishes and deaneries across the Diocese for spiritual renewal, leadership formation, and missionary animation.

The programme commenced with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Diocesan YOMM Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Peter Asiazobor, who emphasized during the celebration the missionary nature of the Christian vocation and the responsibility of every baptized person to participate actively in God's mission.

In his homily, Fr. Asiazobor reflected on the readings of the day and drew important lessons from the life of St. Paul and the encounter of Jesus with St. Peter. He noted that chains and imprisonment did not prevent St. Paul from preaching the Gospel, stressing that true missionaries do not make excuses despite challenges and difficulties. He further highlighted Christ's invitation to Peter to abandon distractions and follow Him wholeheartedly, reminding participants that commitment to Christ requires focus, sacrifice, and obedience.

The Chaplain expressed delight at the presence of the 91 missionaries gathered for the workshop and described their missionary calling as a privilege rather than a burden. He challenged participants to evaluate their contributions and effectiveness within their respective parishes and communities.

A major highlight of the Mass was the inauguration and swearing-in of the newly elected executive members of St. Pio Deanery, Agbara. The Chaplain charged the officers to justify the confidence reposed in them and to lead with dedication, integrity, and commitment to missionary service.

The newly inaugurated executive members are: Miss Emmanuella Nwosu – Coordinator; Miss Egbo Chioma Maryjane – President; Miss Nwokike Chioma – Vice President; Miss Victoria Ahaonu – General Secretary; Miss Ifeoma Onuoha – Financial Secretary; Miss Emmanuella Oshwahela – Treasurer; Miss Onyia Mirabel – Public Relations Officer/Provost; Mr. Victor Udeji – Welfare Officer; Mr. Joseph Richards – Sports Director; Mr. Norman Victory – Assistant Sports Director; Mr. Cletus – Publicity Chairman; and Miss Freda Onyenwe – Publicity Secretary.

The officers pledged their loyalty, faithfulness, and commitment to God and the Church. Following the oath of office, Fr. Asiazobor prayed for and blessed the executives as they commenced their four-year tenure. Group photographs were taken with the newly inaugurated executives, followed by a general group photograph involving all participants.

Following the Mass, the Seminar and Leadership Workshop commenced in earnest. Fr. Peter Asiazobor facilitated an intensive and enriching session that explored the history, structure, rules, guiding principles, challenges, and future development of YOMM both in Nigeria and globally.

The Chaplain traced the origins of the missionary movement to the pioneering efforts of Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot, whose vision and dedication contributed immensely to missionary awareness and participation in the Church. He emphasized the importance of active participation in YOMM activities, attendance at meetings, Sunday missionary obligations, induction processes, weekly assignments, and the practical living of missionary values in daily life.

Fr. Asiazobor explained that the mission of God is fundamentally rooted in Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation, and that YOMM members must become instruments of these values within society. He also introduced participants to the concept of the School of Jesus, which consists of four essential pillars:

Missionary Catechesis, Missionary Spirituality, Missionary Service, and Missionary Communion

According to him, these pillars form the foundation for effective missionary formation and Christian witness.

The facilitator further elaborated on Missionary Animation, explaining how missionaries can effectively use symbols, signs, personal experiences, visitations, parish activities, and various Church duties as tools for evangelization and missionary outreach.

Addressing leadership development, Fr. Asiazobor strongly challenged members to cultivate a vibrant prayer life, regular Bible study, and a sound knowledge of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He linked these spiritual disciplines to the essential qualities of effective leadership, namely: Humility, Firmness, Good Character, Courage and Determination, and Honesty. He reminded participants that leadership in the Church is first and foremost a call to service and witness.

Concluding his presentation, the Chaplain emphasized that YOMM remains distinct from other youth organizations because of its unique mandate and commitment to missionary work. He encouraged members to remain focused on their missionary identity and continue promoting the mission of Christ wherever they find themselves.

The Diocesan Coordinator subsequently summarized the presentations and opened the floor for questions and discussions. Participants actively engaged in the session, raising important questions, particularly concerning areas of misunderstanding and possible conflicts between YOMM and CYON. Clarifications were provided, and members were encouraged to promote collaboration and unity in the service of the Church.

The gathering also featured announcements regarding the forthcoming Diocesan YOMM Congress scheduled for August 2026, with members urged to begin preparations and mobilization in their various parishes and deaneries.

The successful programme concluded on a joyful note as participants were treated to a sumptuous meal and enjoyed moments of fellowship and interaction.

The Seminar and Leadership Workshop undoubtedly achieved its objective of strengthening missionary consciousness, deepening spiritual formation, and equipping young leaders for effective service in the Church. Participants departed inspired, renewed, and better prepared to carry out the missionary mandate entrusted to them by Christ and His Church.

The Abeokuta Diocesan YOMM remains committed to raising a generation of spiritually grounded, mission-oriented, and responsible young Catholics who will continue to proclaim the Gospel through their words and actions.