It was a moment of great joy and thanksgiving when the children of Nigeria gathered on 5 August to mark the 25th anniversary of the existence of the Missionary Childhood Association. The historical event of the Silver Jubilee, which took place from August 5 to 7, 2026, was filled with important activities that allowed each child to show the talents that God gave them.
A gathering of faith and fraternity
The celebration was attended by children from 52 dioceses in Nigeria – out of 59. The event was honored by dignitaries of the Church, including Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. Many bishops, directors and coordinators of associations from all over the country were present…
The opening ceremony began with a “Thanksgiving” mass presided by Bishop Alfred ADEWALE MARTINS. In his homily, he reminded the faithful that “children are of the Church and the Church in Nigeria will continue to teach them so that they know Christ, love him and make him known through the activities of the ‘Missionary Childhood Association’. He expressed his gratitude for the dynamism of Nigerian children and urged the assembly to seize the silver jubilee as a stepping stone to strengthen the work of this Association in each diocese and parish. He stressed the need for children in parishes across the country to be registered with the Association, noting that “children are our future; therefore, they need special attention.” He called on everyone to further promote the Mission through the care of children.
During the celebration, children delighted the audience with welcoming songs, poems, cultural dances, theatrical presentations… and a round table was organized on the moral education of children. Prizes were also awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions from each diocese.
Second day. The Mass of the Transfiguration of the Lord was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Patrick ELUKE with Rev. Fr. Solomon ZAKU who, in his homily, drew a beautiful parallel between the Gospel and this gathering, saying: As Jesus led Peter, James, and John to the mount of Transfiguration to represent the other apostles and disciples, the children gathered for the Jubilee also represent all the other children of dioceses and parishes across Nigeria. He encouraged them to share with others what they are experiencing and seeing during this celebration.
A highlight of the day was the opportunity for children, animators, directors and coordinators of the Society of Pontifical Mission Societies to meet and interact with the Rev. Sr. Ines Paulo ALBINO, general secretary of Missionary Childhood in Rome. The day was crowned by a social evening where children showed a variety of talents in an atmosphere full of joy and enthusiasm.
Third day: a grateful farewell.
A Mass filled with gratitude and hope opened the day. In his homily, the celebrant congratulated all the children, the archdiocese of Lagos, the national director of the PMS (Pontifical Mission Societies) and the diocesan directors and coordinators for the success of the 25th anniversary celebration. Inspired by the Gospel of the day, he emphasized “sacrifice” reminding the faithful that “when we make sacrifices to God, we will receive our reward“. He described the work of the PMS as a work rooted in love and service, encouraging us to continue fulfilling the mission of love that Jesus has entrusted to us. He concluded with a prayer of asking God to bless the children abundantly as they pray and help other children around the world.
The celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Holy Childhood Association of Nigeria was a call to renew action as children returned to their various dioceses, carrying with them the flame of missionary zeal, the joy of shared faith and the mandate to make Christ known to their fellow men.
Indeed, as Mgr MARTINS reminded us, children are our future and through the Holy Children Association this future is nourished in faith, love and service.
Long live the Holy Childhood Association of Nigeria!
Long live the Pontifical Missionary Works!
Sister Ann OLORUNTOBA, DHS – Osogbo – Coordinator HCA.
Published on August 18, 2026
