By Ifeanyi Eduzor
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has charged pioneer students of the newly established Lagos Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Institute (LACCI) to use their training and become true disciples of Christ who will be ready to take the word of God to all the nooks and cranes of the country.
He gave the charge during the matriculation ceremony of 56 students of the school held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ire- Akari Estate, Isolo, Lagos.
According to the Archbishop who was represented at the occasion by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Monsignor Anthony Obanla, the Diocese gave approval for the establishment of the institute to enable the Laity to have regular and specialized training for discipleship, ministry, leadership formation, evangelization and entrepreneurship skills development as well as increase their understanding of the Catholic faith and doctrines.
‘We’re aware that the church has too many fans but very few disciples. So, the mission of this institute is to raise disciples and soldiers for Christ who would be sent out to win souls and I believe that with this Institution, so many good things will begin to happen in the country, he said.
In her matriculation lecture titled; Discipleship: Instrument for personal and societal transformation, Head of the Department of Creative Arts University of Lagos Prof. Mrs Kate Ezenwanebe, noted that the school came at a time when Nigerians need to come closer to God to surmount some of her problems and admonished the students to stand firm in their faith and use the knowledge to be acquired to be a shining example in the society at large.
Earlier in his welcome address, LACCI Chairman, Bro Ben Ibeh, explained that training offered at the institute is designed to produce balanced Catholic Christians with spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, skills and potentials effectively mobilized to become a balancing force in the church and society at large.
He noted that through its discipleship experience, the institute guides members to know more about Jesus Christ and the church through the Holy Spirit. His ministry and mission and surrender unreservedly to his leadership, discover, develop and fulfill their purpose in the body of Christ so as to enjoy the rich inheritance of Jesus Christ.
Ibeh while commending the Archbishop for his approval of the school and list of some renowned University Professors, Priests and Lay faithful as lecturers announced that plans are in the pipeline to affiliate it with some established Universities like Augustine University, Epe, Lagos, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and Port Harcourt as well as the Catholic Institute of West Africa.
Chairman of Lagos Archdiocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal Bro. Uche Anyanwu and Dean of Studies of the Institute, Sister Kate Igwe who were all excited with the event expressed hope that very soon campuses of the Institute will be established in all the dioceses in Nigeria.
The school which offers three-year weekend courses consisting of six semesters run courses in Basic and Advanced studies with grandaunts awarded certificates and Diplomas at the end of the programme.
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