INTRODUCTION
The JDP/Caritas Nigeria in line with her agenda for continuous conscientization of Nigerian citizens during the Lenten season chose “The Nigerian Child: Hope for the Nation” as the theme for the 2009 Lenten Campaign. This theme challenges the faithful on her responsibility to respect and promote the dignity of the Nigerian Child and to avoid doing anything that would compromise this dignity which is bestowed on the Child by God.
JDP/Caritas Nigeria also addresses some of the root causes of Child abuse in Nigeria and challenges leaders at every level to their obligations to the Nigerian Child since a well groomed Child is the future of a Nation. In accordance with the mission of the JDP/Caritas, the Lenten Campaign launch for the year 2008 had the theme, “Signs of Hope, Poverty reduction for a better Nigeria.” It was hosted by Abuja Province with His Grace Archbishop John O. Onaiyekan presiding. The campaign theme for this year will be flagged off in Owerri Province with the metropolitan of the Province and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna presiding on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria on Ash Wednesday, 25th February 2009.
Use of the Guide
A spiritual reflection introduces each of the six weeks of lent, with the sub topic for each week analysing the different abuses suffered by the Nigerian Child and proffering practical solutions. The various recommendations mapped out in the guide are set to help the faithful and all those who read the guide to begin to actively get involved in activities that would help to promote respect and dignity of the Nigerian Child. The guide this year includes a reflection for Easter Sunday so that we all can celebrate the Nigerian child.
The Meditations and prayers at the end of each chapter or sub topic are designed to help the faithful and the Nigerian public who read the guide to grow spiritually and reflect the theme in the light of faith. The liturgical prayers could be used at the celebration of the Eucharist from Ash Wednesday through the Sundays of lent and ceremonies of Holy week.
In addition, the Lenten Campaign posters have been designed in line with the six sub topics of each Sunday of Lent. The Posters could also be useful for catechesis as well as during public events. The pictures on the posters reflect the theme for each Sunday.
THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT reflects on the dangers associated with street begging particularly with the Child and the issues of Child labour. It reflects also on the causes of labour, the rigours and scars of street begging and its negative impact on nation building.
THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT reflects on Child trafficking and the need for parents, guardians and governmental agencies to frontally combat this menace and ensure that those who perpetrate Child trafficking are brought to justice.
THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT reflects on sexual abuse of Children, the many avenues through which many of these Children are subjected to sexual abuse, ways in which these Children can be protected from being sexually abused by adults( particularly from close associates or family members) and how to help victims recover from traumatic effects.
THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT reflects on institutional failures/ infrastructural decay (in schools, families, religious bodies etc), how these institutions have failed the Nigerian Child and the legal framework which has been put in place to address issues of Child abuse in Nigeria.
THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT reflects on the obnoxious cultures such as early marriages, female genital mutilation and beliefs in witchcrafts which are repugnant to the growth and progress of the Nigerian Child. These obnoxious cultures and practices must be rejected and abolished.
THE SIXTH WEEK OF LENT reflects on the physically and mentally challenged Child. It advises that such a Child must be respected and given equal opportunities both at home, government/private institutions, rather than pitied. These Children are also created in the image and likeness of God and should therefore enjoy the dignity bestowed upon them by God.
THE SEVENTH WEEK OF LENT: This additional week is designed to help all adults who have been offended or disappointed by the Nigerian Child or who have themselves taken undue advantage or disappointed the Nigerian Child, to ask forgiveness from God and to take positive steps towards reconciling with the Nigerian Child. Easter is the climax of our celebration and so let us celebrate with joy the gift of the Nigerian Child.
The faithful are encouraged to use the guide as a “toolbox” for their own spiritual and practical growth during the six weeks of lent and Easter Sunday. Choose a prayer which you can repeat every day. The prayers and meditations given for each week are powerful and enriching for adoption. The pictures can help us in our reflection.
The Lenten Campaign also aims at raising funds for the work of JDP/Caritas Nigeria at all levels. Parishes are to take up collections during stations of the cross and on the 5th Sunday of lent or as per the policy of the diocese. Funds thus realised are to be distributed as follows: Parish level 20%, Diocese 40%, Province 20% and the National office 20%.
The faithful are encouraged to donate generously to concrete projects that will make impact on the less privileged. Every naira can help the cause of the poor. All Nigerians and especially Catholics can contribute to alleviate the plight of the Nigerian Child so as to secure the future. Special donations/contributions can be made through the national office at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.
We will also welcome and appreciate your feedbacks and reports on our activities. This will help us improve for better service delivery. You can do this by email to jdpcnational@yahoo.com or the contacts found at the back of this guide. Have a joyful and spirit filled Lenten period. |
