By Mercy Hill and Peter Usanga
The Director of Pastoral Agents Department, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi, has called on the Catholic Military, Paramilitary, and Police Chaplains to step up their recruitment efforts to bring more priests into their ranks. He made the appeal during the Inaugural Joint Military, Paramilitary, and Police Catholic Chaplains’ Conference held recently at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja from 26-28 September 2024.
In his address of welcome, Fr. Okochi disclosed that the conference was meant to set in motion, different strategies and policies that should help in keeping them more closely connected to the Church, their Bishops, to one another, to the Catholic Secretariat, and to their dioceses and institutes.
Explaining that their role as chaplains was to serve as beacons of hope, sources of comfort, and pillars of strength for military personnel, Fr. Okochi emphasized their sacred duty to nurture souls, provide spiritual guidance and offer unwavering support.
‘In your roles as chaplains, you are called to be beacons of hope, sources of comfort, and pillars of strength for the men and women who protect and serve our country in the various services. Your mission is not only to provide spiritual guidance to them but also to offer unwavering support in times of trials and tribulations.
‘You are entrusted with the sacred duty of nurturing the souls of those who face the most challenging and perilous situations, from the Army to the Air Force, to the Navy, Correctional Services, Police, Immigration, among others. It is your sacred duty to walk alongside our brothers and sisters in uniform, sharing in their joys and sorrows, their victories and struggles.’
The conference witnessed the presence of the Episcopal Chairman for Military Chaplaincy, Most Rev. Philip Dung, as the Keynote Speaker.
Attendees included chaplains from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Correctional Services, Police, and Immigration.
