THE SEVENTH annual Vincentian  Youth Summit of Lagos Youth Metropolitan Council of the Society  of  St  Vincent De Paul  was  held  on  Sunday  3 December at St Sebastian, Odo  Egbo,  Ijebu-Ode,  Ogun State.

The celebration, which brought many people from the three dioceses of Lagos,  Abeokuata and ijebu-Ode, was to appreciate individuals who had supported the youth council. It was also to officially welcome new Vincentian members to the fold. The induction was hosted by Ijebu-Ode Youth Development Committee for the first time in seven years.

The Mass was celebrated by the chaplain of Ijebu-Ode Central  Council,  Rev.   Fr  Jude  Okafor, and co-celebrated by Rev. Fr Victor Egwuonwu, assistant cathedral administrator.

The homilist, Rev. Fr Victor Egwuonwu, encouraged and charged Vincentian youths to continue to be light to the world through  their ministry and not be intimidated and carried away by the uncharitable nature of the community in which we live. Your act of charity will surely turn  things around for good, he said.

No fewer than 135 Vincentian youths were inducted into the  society.

The second part of the summit began immediately after the Mass as the youth gathered at  Bishop Anthony Saliu Sanusi Cathedral Hall.

The host Bishop Albert Fasina gave the opening prayer and a brief welcome address.  Adult members from various councils and conferences were also recognised and appreciated on the occasion.

Speaking on Vincentian Youths, Light in a World Going Dark, Rev. Fr Stephen Ekerin  said as vincentian youths (Catholic youths at large) our light need be spread across every corner of the world and not just within councils or conferences, but even outside the church. 

Present at the summit were   Sisters  from  Daughters of Charity of St Vincent De Paul who  expressed  their  joy seeing youths showing interest and carrying out charitable acts towards the needy.

The Lagos Metropolitan Youth Coordinator, Bro Pastol Nnochiri, on behalf of the council, appreciated the bishop for spending his time with them. He said it was the first time in seven years a bishop would grace the summit with his presence.

The bishop thanked and encouraged all present to stand firm, study the Catholic faith and help to teach it.

-STEPHEN OGUNPITAN