By Emmanuel Opeyemi Alao

The Catholic Diocese of Ìjẹ̀bú-Òde was represented at the Church Life Africa (CLA) Summer Conference 2026, held from 28 July to 2 August 2026 at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Abuja, under the theme, “The New Evangelization and the Future of Global Catholicism.”

Church Life Africa (CLA) is a Catholic apostolate dedicated to promoting the theological, catechetical, liturgical, and pastoral formation of clergy, religious, and lay faithful across Africa. Through conferences, publications, digital evangelization, and formation programmes, CLA seeks to deepen Catholics’ understanding of the faith and equip them to become effective missionary disciples. In collaboration with the Augustine Institute (USA), the annual Summer Conference has become one of its flagship initiatives, bringing together Church leaders, scholars, and the faithful for a rich experience of prayer, learning, and evangelization.

This year’s conference welcomed over 400 participants, including bishops, priests, religious, theologians, catechists, seminarians, and lay faithful from about 44 Catholic dioceses across Nigeria.

The Catholic Diocese of Ìjẹ̀bú-Òde was represented by its sole delegate, Mr. Emmanuel Ọpẹ́yẹmí ÀLÀÓ, who participated in the week-long programme of theological formation, liturgical renewal, pastoral reflection, and missionary discipleship.

Participants were enriched through the daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist, Eucharistic Adoration, keynote lectures, panel discussions, workshops, pastoral outreach, and pilgrimage.

Among the highlights were presentations by Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, who challenged participants to “wear their theological shoes” by putting theology into action; Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, who called for authentic Christian discipleship beyond cultural Christianity; and scholars from the Augustine Institute, who offered profound reflections on the Eucharist, Sacred Scripture, and the vocation of every baptized Christian.

The conference also included a pastoral outreach to the Wasa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp and a pilgrimage to the Pope St. John Paul II Papal Ground, reaffirming that authentic evangelization must always be accompanied by prayer, charity, and service.

The Catholic Diocese of Ìjẹ̀bú-Òde gives thanks to God for the opportunity to participate in this important gathering. It is hoped that the knowledge, experiences, and pastoral insights gained will contribute to strengthening catechesis, evangelization, youth formation, and lay apostolate within the Diocese as we continue to proclaim Jesus Christ and build a vibrant local Church.