Krakow, Poland 2016: Anxieties and Expectations of Team-Nigeria!

Young Catholic Student's representative, Augustine Abba, Bauchi Diocesan Chaplain and CYON President, Fr. Justine Dyikuk and Ali Michael Oduka after the Abuja WYD orientation programme

All is now set for the World Youth Day (WYD) celebration slated for Krakow, Poland from July 25 to 31, 2016. Team-Nigeria has been prepared socially, intellectually, spiritually and otherwise for the trip.
To ensure that the WYD does not become a mere social event, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) organised a 3-day orientation programme at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre (DRACC), Aco-Estate, Abuja from June 14 to16, 2016 to prepare the Nigerian contingent fully for the celebration.                                                  

At the orientation programme, the intending pilgrims were urged to consider their trip as a pilgrimage of faith. This message was contained in a paper delivered to the youth by the former National Youth Animator, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi at the event.
"This pilgrimage is a pilgrimage of faith, for a people of faith, in a country of faith for the purpose of faith" Ndubisi stressed, noting that the protagonists of the WYD are "Christ and the Youth."                                              
He further disclosed the theme of the 2016 WYD celebration as "Blessed are they merciful for they shall obtain mercy" while urging all to embrace God’s mercy.                                
Ndubisi used the occasion to unveil information about group itinerary, reception of delegates, pilgrims' kit, days in the diocese also known as missionary week and details of accommodation.                                                
He also said the Nigerian contingent will do their days in the diocese in the diocese of Gliwice where they will be hosted by various families.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Sixteenth Sunday of Year, C – July 17, 2016.
Readings: Gen. 18:1-10A; Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5; Colossians 1:24-28; Gospel Luke 10:38-42.
Theme: Learning from the School of Martha and Mary      
Friends in Christ, that our gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42) for this Sunday is coming after the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is no mistake. Last Sunday, the Priest and the Levite shunned the man who fell into the hands of brigands because they wanted to demonstrate “the love of God” but they ended up neglecting “the love of neighbour.”
On this Sunday, Jesus’ encounter with Martha and Mary during a remarkable visit bridges the gap between the love of God and the love of neighbour. To be sure, Martha was busy with her culinary services trying to demonstrate “the love of neighbour” that she overlooked “the love of God” while Mary’s focus was on “the love of God” which made her pay less attention to “the love of neighbour.” The point that Jesus wants us to take home is that both “the love of neighbour” and “the love of God” are important aspects of christian discipleship.