Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Ekiti Diocese, held her 2024 Annual Diocesan Retreat between Friday 30th and Saturday 31st August, 2024 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State with the theme: "Holy Eucharist, the Source and the Summit of our Faith."

The retreat provided an invaluable opportunity for reflection, spiritual growth, and communal resolve. During the retreat, the laity of Ekiti Diocese deliberated on their role in the Church, focusing on enhancing their participation in the Holy Eucharist, which is central on their faith. 

They however made the following resolutions at the end of the Retreat:

1. PREPARATION AND PRESENCE AT MASS

We resolved that lay faithful should actively prepare spiritually before Mass. The faithful are encouraged and called to focus on the liturgy, actively listen, and avoid distractions. This attentiveness allows for a more meaningful participation in the sacred mysteries.

2. ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AT MASS

We observed that some lay faithful are not very active participants in the prayers and responses during Mass. The faithful are therefore encouraged to contribute to singing hymns and responses, enhancing the worship experience. Through music, the community’s worship is lifted, creating a more profound connection with the divine.

3. RECEPTION OF THE EUCHARIST

Receive the Eucharist with Reverence: The CCC (1385) teaches that the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life (theme of retreat). The faithful are called to approach Communion with faith, reflection, and reverence. This reception allows the Eucharist to deepen one’s relationship with Christ and reinforces the unity of the Body of Christ.

4. POST-MASS REFLECTION

Engage in Post-Mass Reflection: Following the teachings of the Church, especially the emphasis on ongoing spiritual growth, the faithful should engage in post-Mass reflection. Lay faithful are encouraged to reflect on the readings, the homily and the liturgy, and consider how to apply these teachings to daily life, to foster continuous spiritual development and ensure that the graces received during Mass bear fruit in one’s life.

5. HOW DO WE MAKE OUR PARTICIPATION AT MASS FRUITFUL? To participate actively at Mass, Lay faithful are encouraged to approach Mass with the right intention, actively listen to the Readings and Homily, actively and regularly participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to offer personal prayers and intentions.

6. FORMING A EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITY: By forming a Eucharistic Community, Ekiti Laity Council encouraged the Lay Faithful to foster a culture of hospitality in our various Parishes, join Pious Societies, promote Eucharistic Adoration by attending programmes in their Parishes, and to be ready to teach catechesis.

7. "GO IN PEACE, THE MASS IS ENDED"

To share the blessings of the Mass, Ekiti Diocesan Catholic Laity Council encouraged the Lay Faithful to embody the virtues taught in the Gospel, Encouraging others to experience the peace and grace of the Eucharist, Extending the blessings of Mass through acts of service, reflects the Eucharist’s call to love and charity, Promoting peace and resolving conflicts in the community and discuss their experiences and insights from Mass.

 

PROF. FRANCIS O IBIMILUYI   

President, Ekiti Diocese Laity Council of Nigeria 

FR. ANTHONY IDOWU BANKOLE 

Chaplain, Ekiti Diocese Laity Council of Nigeria