“One in Christ, United in Mission”: Nigerian PMS Coordinators Gather to Ignite Missionary Fire


​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The missionary heartbeat of the Church in Nigeria found its rhythm this week as over 100 delegates gathered for the Pontifical Mission Societies (Missio Nigeria) Joint Diocesan Coordinators’ Meeting. Bringing together the four pillars of the Church's missionary arm—the Holy Childhood Association (HCA), Propagation of the Faith (POF), St. Peter the Apostle (SPA), and the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU)—this historic summit serves as the official launchpad for the 2026 World Mission Sunday theme: “One in Christ, United in Mission.”

​A Call to Courage: Following the Path of St. Agnes

​The gathering commenced in a deeply prayerful atmosphere with a Holy Mass presided over by the PMS National Director, Very Rev. Fr. Solomon Patrick Zaku. Coinciding with the Feast of St. Agnes, Fr. Zaku’s homily challenged the coordinators to mirror the saint’s unwavering faith and purity as a model for authentic missionary witness.

​“Dear Coordinators, the Church needs your zeal, your creativity, your patience, and your faith,” Fr. Zaku stated. “Your work is quiet, unseen, and demanding, yet it is through your dedication that the missionary flame remains alive in our parishes, schools, and communities.”

​Celebrating Milestones of Faith

​This year's meeting is particularly significant as it bridges a rich legacy with a bold future. The coordinators are celebrating three major grace-filled milestones within the societies:

  • ​The 100th Anniversary of World Mission Sunday: Established in 1926 by Pope Pius XI, this global day of prayer and solidarity supports over 1,100 mission territories worldwide.
  • ​The 110th Anniversary of the Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU): Founded in 1916 by Blessed Paolo Manna, the PMU works to deepen missionary awareness and formation among priests, religious, and educators.
  • ​The 25th Anniversary of the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) in Nigeria: Known globally as "Children helping Children," the HCA has spent a quarter-century in Nigeria empowering young Catholics to support their peers through prayer and sacrifice.

​The Pillars of Mission: From Animation to Communion

​Following the solemn enthronement of the Holy Bible—symbolizing Christ as the center of all endeavors—the ceremony featured a keynote presentation by Rev. Sr. Kathleen McGarvey, OLA. A missionary from Ireland currently serving in Nigeria, Sr. Kathleen beautifully unpacked the four missionary pillars of pastoral activity:

  1. ​Missionary Animation: Stirring the hearts of the faithful to missionary action.
  2. ​Missionary Formation: Providing the spiritual and intellectual tools for evangelization.
  3. ​Missionary Cooperation: Strengthening the support systems between established and young churches, such as the work of St. Peter the Apostle (SPA) in training local priests and religious.
  4. ​Missionary Communion: Fostering the spirit of the Propagation of the Faith (POF), which involves every baptized person in the universal work of the Gospel.

​Sr. McGarvey called on the coordinators to rise as instruments of reconciliation and champions of "co-responsibility," reminding them that mission is not the work of a few, but the shared responsibility of all.

​Strategic Planning for the Future

​The meeting has now transitioned into intensive group discussions and strategic sessions. These dialogues are designed to help the various societies—from those focused on vocational support to those animating children—reflect on their impact and plan for the year ahead.

 As the sessions continue into tomorrow, the goal remains clear: to ensure the "missionary fire" continues to burn brightly in every diocese across Nigeria.

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