By Bede Ogueri Anyanwu
Preparations are in full swing as the Abuja Archdiocesan Council of the St. Jude Society intensifies efforts to host its 2026 National Convention, scheduled for August 13 to 15 at Cor Maria Boys College.
The three-day event is expected to attract members from across the country for a spiritually enriching and socially engaging gathering. The convention, themed “Here I Am, Send Me as Instrument of Peace” (Isaiah 6:8), will focus on spiritual reflection, fellowship, and key organizational activities.
The announcement was made during the Council’s general meeting held at St. Matthew Catholic Parish. Addressing members, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Bro. Lawrence Okechukwu, KSJI, assured attendees that comprehensive arrangements are underway to ensure a successful convention.
He highlighted significant progress in logistics and welfare, particularly in securing comfortable accommodation for visiting delegates. He advised Abuja-based members and those in nearby areas intending to use the accommodation facilities to notify the organizing committee in advance to aid proper coordination.
Bro. Okechukwu also called on members, parishes, and deaneries to submit goodwill messages for inclusion in the official convention brochure. He encouraged business owners and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the event’s wide reach by placing advertisements, describing the convention as a valuable platform for increased visibility.
In his remarks, the President of the St. Jude Society, Abuja Archdiocese, Bro. Bede O. Anyanwu expressed confidence in the city’s readiness to host a memorable convention. He urged the Karu and Karimo Deaneries to prepare members—popularly known as Judites—for welcome songs and traditional dance performances as part of the event’s cultural entertainment.
The meeting recorded a strong turnout and notable enthusiasm among members, reflecting widespread readiness for the national gathering. As part of the build-up activities, the next Archdiocesan Council meeting is scheduled to hold on July 26, 2026, hosted by the Kubwa Deanery.
A major highlight of the meeting was the decoration of Sis. Theresa Osadebe as a patron of the St. Jude Society in the Abuja Archdiocese. The honour was conferred by the immediate past Provincial President, Sis. Esther Kanu.
With preparations gaining momentum, Abuja is poised to host what promises to be a landmark convention for members of the St. Jude Society nationwide.
