Afternoon Session – General Assembly for Vision and Planning
Catholic Diocese of Katsina
Date: 23rd April 2025
Venue: St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, Gidan Fada, Malumfashi
The afternoon session of the Hausa Christian Identity Dialogue, held at St. Mukasa Catechetical Training Centre, Malumfashi, was marked by rich group discussions that explored identity, cultural values, challenges, and strategic directions for the Diocese. Each group contributed significantly to the thematic areas assigned, highlighting the lived realities of Hausa Christians in the Katsina Diocese and offering actionable recommendations.
Group 1 reflected on identity, affirming that they are Hausa by tribe and Christians under the Diocese of Katsina. They noted their peaceful coexistence with other tribes, their historical resilience in the face of persecution, and their industrious nature, including small-scale businesses and traditional occupations like blacksmithing and farming.
Group 2 focused on existential purpose, emphasizing the divine mandate to spread the gospel, live fulfilled lives, promote peace and unity, and add value to society through human and infrastructural development.
Group 3 explored cultural identity, underlining the communal spirit, modest dressing, the evangelistic value of the Hausa language, the need for women’s inclusion, and the complexities of tradition that require pastoral sensitivity.
Group 4 outlined the goals and mission of the Diocese, which include educational and agricultural development, grassroots re-evangelization, cultural understanding for inculturation, community development, mutual respect between clergy and laity, interreligious dialogue, and youth-focused evangelization.
Group 5 presented cultural values and rites around birth, marriage, and death. They affirmed that while cultural practices like naming ceremonies and bride price align with Christian values, certain burial rites—such as facing the corpse eastward or same-day burial—need contextual review. The group also addressed diocesan challenges like insecurity, poor catechesis, Pentecostalism, lack of respect and accountability, and proposed solutions such as catechetical training, proposal writing, and parishioner engagement.
Group 7 examined the societal landscape, identifying barriers such as language, poverty, poor education, and limited communication. They recommended strengthening communication and reviving the Dominican missionary spirit.
Group 8 highlighted the Diocese itself as a major opportunity—bolstered by the presence of an indigenous bishop, human capital, and fertile agricultural land. They also noted challenges like insecurity and poverty, advocating workshops, ecumenism, political participation, technological evangelization, and improved infrastructure.
Group 9 discussed internal weaknesses, including poor representation, disunity, loss of cultural values, weak faith among men, and autocratic leadership styles. Meanwhile, Group 10 addressed threats and fears ranging from insecurity and poverty to drug abuse, low collaboration, and weak church support systems.
In a further submission, participants proposed the creation of a diocesan conflict resolution committee and suggestion box, reinvestment in urban agriculture, harmonization of traditional rites with church doctrine, and implementation of diocesan policies on lay office occupations. They also called for seasonal programs like Bible quizzes, better integration between indigenous and settler communities, and investment-led development initiatives.
The session concluded with a solemn Rosary Procession led by the Bishop at 6:30 p.m., marking a spiritual close to a deeply reflective and participatory day.
By Ifeanyi