It was a moment of celebration as members of Catholic Lectors Association of Nigeria (CLAN), Abuja Archdiocese, converged at the CKC Parish, Kubwa Abuja for its Lectors Day grand finale on Saturday, June 22, 2019.

The event commenced with a Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. JohnPaul Ezeagbanari who also gave a homily titled: ‘Lectors Celebrating our oneness in Christ’ commended Lectors of Abuja Archdiocese for their relentless efforts at proclaiming the Good News in Parishes and Out-Stations and urged them to remain committed to their privileged calling as their services in the Lord’s vineyard will be bountifully rewarded.

Welcoming members and invited guests who turned out en masse to grace the colourful event, the elated President of CLAN, Abuja Archdiocese, Lector Chris Nzeduru, expressed joy that the Lectors Day is a unique occasion which brings members from the nooks and crannies of the Archdiocese together to share ideas and get to know each other.

He said it also affords them the opportunity merry since all work and no play make even a best reader a dull Lector, adding that this year’s edition is a sharp departure from the past as reading and quiz competitions was jettisoned at the Archdiocesan level due to the acrimonies that normally greeted the exercise, noting that the hitherto quiz and reading competitions are only held at deanery level.

The activities for the day were fully loaded with jokes by the Bwari Denary who paraded A-list comedians that thrilled members and guests. Gwagwalada and Garki Deaneries did a drama presentation which succinctly captured the theme of the celebration, Wuse and Karu Deaneries presented cultural dance to the admiration of all.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Lector Alex Adum, expressed excitement that the event was a camaraderie of sorts as members and invited guests were elated and in a very relaxed atmosphere as they had much to eat, wine and merry.

The Coordinator of Gwagwalada Deanery, Lector Joseph Shiiwua who also spoke with our Correspondent, went very philosophical as he quoted Daniel Webster’s work entitled “Showers of Blessing” written in 1883, noting that when he wrote the epic work, he had no idea he was prophesying the Lectors’ Day 2019 at Christ the King Church Kubwa because the Saturday morning was bright but brief, as clouds were prepared to send down showers of blessing, love and calm, cool weather. Soon, the downpour commenced, but was only right to give a suiting welcome to Lectors at CKC, the outcome was a grand success in all ramifications, he however recommended for the scrapping of the competitions at the deanery level.

In the same vein, the CLAN, Abuja Secretary; Lector Charles Anyanwu, the Vice President; Lector Gina Tule and Bwari Denary Coordinator Lector Marcel Anyatonwnu in unison expressed their joy over the successful outcome of the modified Lectors Day, they all gave thumbs up to the CLAN, Abuja EXCO, the Planning Committee and the entire Lectors of the Archdiocese for coming out en masse to showcase their God-given talents.

Furthermore, also on hand to give necessary spiritual support and guidance were the Bwari CLAN Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Edache and Associate Priest of CKC Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Alao who did justice to questions asked by Lectors.

The 2019 Biennial Lectors Day has come and gone but the memory will no doubt remain indelible in the minds of members.

•A cross section of Catholic Lectors Association of Nigeria members during the Lectors Day grand finale at CKC Parish, Kubwa Abuja

Update news