Arrangements in Top Gear for the 4th Enugu Catholic Diocesan Synod and Silver Jubilee Priestly Celebration of Prof. Anieke!
The Catholic Diocese of Enugu is set to host its 4th Diocesan Synod from November 16th to 22nd, 2025, a pivotal event that will address critical issues affecting the faith, education, and social development of the Church and its faithful. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Vice-Chancellor of Godfrey Okoye University, Reverend Father Professor Christian Anieke, made this known during a live interactive radio program in Enugu.
Reverend Father Anieke emphasized that the Synod would delve into various pressing concerns, including the deepening of faith among Catholics, integral education, evangelism, the influence of social media and artificial intelligence (AI), and the formation of candidates for the priesthood. Additionally, the event will provide a platform to examine the abuse of priestly powers, regulations concerning funeral ceremonies, administration of sacraments to Catholics in polygamous families, and the long-standing cultural issues of Osu and Ohuu in communities, as well as the growing challenge of neo-paganism in society.
Addressing Societal Concerns and Church Contributions
Describing the Synod as an opportunity to engage with the faithful and understanding of their expectations, Reverend Father Anieke dismissed claims that Christian missionaries were responsible for the distortion of indigenous culture and traditions. He reaffirmed that missionaries have played—and continue to play—a crucial role in the development of education, infrastructure, and employment in Nigeria.
According to him, an analysis of employment data reveals that the Catholic Church provides more jobs in Nigeria than many government institutions. He further argued that the takeover of mission schools by past administrations contributed significantly to the decline of the education system, leading to a generation of individuals primarily focused on material wealth rather than moral and intellectual development. To rectify this, he called for a collective effort from parents, the Church, and the government to instill values of generosity, morality, and commitment to service in young people.
The Role of Technology in Human Development
While discussing emerging technologies, Reverend Father Anieke cautioned against the misuse of artificial intelligence. He warned that while AI has the potential to enhance human capabilities, it should not be developed in ways that undermine the essence of humanity. “No human development should contradict the human person,” he stated, expressing concerns that AI-driven advancements may create superhuman entities that humanity may struggle to control.
Celebrating 25 Years of Priestly Service
In addition to the Synod, Reverend Father Professor Christian Anieke will mark his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination on July 26th at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu. A second celebration is scheduled for July 27th at Godfrey Okoye University, where he serves as Vice-Chancellor.
As preparations intensify for these significant events, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu remains committed to fostering faith, education, and social transformation, ensuring that the Church continues to be a pillar of progress in Nigerian society.
