By Abah Anthony John
ACI Africa, Dec 26, 2024 / 14:00 pm
The Diocese of Katsina, whose erection the Vatican made public on Oct. 16, 2023, is realizing “creative methods” of evangelization, the pioneer local ordinary said in a recent interview.
In the Dec. 18 interview with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, days after marking his first episcopal anniversary on Dec. 12, Bishop Gerald Mamman Musa said the innovative approaches to evangelization are bearing fruit in various sectors of his diocese, including governance, education, and pastoral care.
“Evangelization is at the heart of our work. We focus not only on traditional preaching but also on finding creative methods to reach people, especially those in remote or underserved areas through various strategies including living a good Christian life,” Musa said.
He said the Katsina Diocese is realizing a “like-unto-like” approach as central to the evangelization mission.
Welcome to the Diocese of Katsina, where a unique and inclusive approach to evangelization is changing lives and communities. In this diocese, led by Bishop Musa, the focus is on empowering individuals to spread the message of faith in ways that are relatable and impactful.
“We encourage youths to evangelize youths, farmers to evangelize fellow farmers, and professionals to connect with their peers,” Bishop Musa explained. This approach fosters understanding and trust, as people are more likely to listen to those they can relate to.
One key aspect of this approach is the training of lay leaders, with a particular focus on female catechists. Bishop Musa highlighted the importance of women taking a central role in catechizing children and other women, noting their natural patience and connection with children make them effective teachers. This focus on building the capacity of female catechists also helps create a more inclusive and diverse team of evangelizers.
In addition to empowering individuals, the Diocese of Katsina is modernizing its catechetical methods to ensure thorough preparation of catechumens and candidates before receiving the sacraments. This includes developing comprehensive curricula to ensure a deep understanding of the sacraments, such as first Communion, confirmation, and matrimony. Marriage preparation now includes in-depth teachings to address the rising rates of divorce and separation.
Another key focus of the diocese is on functional education, with a strengthening of Catholic schools to provide opportunities for school dropouts and families who cannot afford education for their children. Bishop Musa emphasized the importance of ensuring that children not only receive religious education but also acquire the skills needed for a better future.
The Diocese of Katsina, established in October 2023, is the 60th diocese in Nigeria. Carved out from the Diocese of Sokoto as the seventh suffragan diocese in the Archdiocese of Kaduna, the diocese covers 11,200 square miles with a population of 9,669,439, including 19,000 Catholics. This diocese is not just a place of worship, but a community dedicated to empowering individuals, building connections, and creating a better future for all. Join us on this journey of faith and transformation.
Source link
