The annual retreat of staff of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and agencies of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria continued on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, opening with Morning Lauds. The third session of the retreat was facilitated by the Retreat Director, Most Rev. Gerald Mamman Musa, Bishop of Katsina, who offered deeper reflections on the encyclical Dilexi Te, emphasizing that it was written with the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable in mind. He urged staff to place the needs of these groups at the centre of their service and to express love for the poor in their respective offices and departments.
The day also featured a Penitential Service, Confessions, the recitation of the Rosary, and Holy Mass. During the Mass, the CSN Deputy Secretary General and Director of Pastoral Agents, Rev. Fr. Augustine Okochi, thanked Bishop Musa for a spiritually enriching retreat and his insightful reflections, while encouraging staff to continue praying for his episcopal ministry. In his response, Bishop Musa expressed gratitude to the CSN and CBCN agencies for their warm hospitality and prayed for a fruitful and fulfilling year at the Secretariat. The retreat concluded with all staff in attendance coming together to share a meal in fellowship.
