CIDJAP Staff Retreat For The Beginning Of The 40th Jubilee Year Report

Theme: Re-kindling the Flame
Date: 3rd of February, 2026
Venue: Ofuobi Africa Centre

The dawn of the 40th Jubilee Year of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP) was marked not with fanfare but with quiet depth, reflection, and renewed commitment. On the 3rd of February, the staff of CIDJAP, led by the Founding Director, Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike gathered at the serene Ofuobi Africa Centre for a retreat aptly themed “Re-kindling the Flame.”

It was a day set aside to pause, to remember, to rediscover purpose, and to courageously look ahead. The retreat commenced at 9:00 a.m. with the arrival of staff and a simple breakfast, setting a tone of family, warmth, and shared belonging. There was a palpable sense of gratitude in the air, gratitude for how far CIDJAP has journeyed over four decades of service to humanity, justice, and peace.

At 9:30 a.m., the retreat formally opened with a heartfelt opening prayer led by Mrs. Mary Chiwetalu, calling on God’s presence to guide the reflections and conversations of the day. This was followed by opening protocols led by Sr. Annette (SND), the convener, who also served as a co-facilitator alongside Sr. Ijeoma, SND. Their gentle guidance created a safe and reflective space, allowing every staff member to feel seen, heard, and valued. The first session, “Looking Back,” began at 9:45 a.m. with a group work session on “Milestones: Remembering.”

Staff members shared memories of sacrifices, breakthroughs, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped CIDJAP’s identity. These reflections were not merely historical recollections; they were living testimonies of dedication, resilience, and faith. During the feedback and interaction session at 10:30 a.m., emotions flowed freely: gratitude, joy, humility, and renewed respect for the institution’s founding vision and the many hands that have sustained it.

After a short break at 11:15 a.m., the retreat moved into a reflective segment titled “Who We Are, Who We Want to Be.” At 11:30 a.m., Fr. Cosmas, OFM, delivered a profound presentation that challenged staff to examine CIDJAP’s identity in the present moment and its calling for the future. “If you work for CIDJAP, you are a Franciscan.” “Working for CIDJAP is a vocation.” His words called for integrity, courage, renewal of mission, and faithfulness to the values that distinguish CIDJAP as a moral voice in society.

The celebration of Holy Mass at 1:00 p.m. became the spiritual heart of the retreat. It was a sacred moment of thanksgiving for the past forty years and a solemn offering of the future into God’s hands. The Mass reaffirmed that CIDJAP’s work is not merely institutional, but spiritual and mission-driven. A shared lunch followed at 1:45 p.m., strengthening bonds of fellowship and unity.

In the afternoon, attention turned firmly to “Looking to the Future.” At 2:45 p.m., staff engaged in group work on “The Way Forward – Concrete Steps.” This session moved beyond ideals into actionable commitments—how CIDJAP can remain relevant, impactful, and faithful to its mission in a rapidly changing world. The feedback and interactions at 3:30 p.m. reflected hope, creativity, and collective responsibility.

The retreat reached its emotional and symbolic climax at 4:00 p.m. with the Commitment Ritual: “Fanning the Flame of CIDJAP,” led by the Founding Director. This powerful act reminded every staff member that the flame of justice, peace, and development must be continuously nurtured through dedication, sacrifice, and shared vision. It was a moment of recommitment, not just to an institution, but to a calling.

The retreat concluded with closing protocols led by Fr. Ambrose and a final blessing by Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, whose words carried the weight of wisdom, fatherly encouragement, and hope. His blessing sent the staff forth renewed, strengthened, and inspired to walk boldly into CIDJAP’s 40th Jubilee Year.