Catholic youths in Nigeria have been encouraged to embrace their faith and resilience as they prepare for the National Youth Day celebration in August.
This charge was given at Holy Cross Cathedral, Pankshin, north central Nigeria, by the Jos Provincial Chaplain of Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), Fr. Homsuk Loetuknaan Naron.
Fr. Homsuk Naron, Jos Provincial Chaplain of Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON)
“My dear young people, it is no coincidence that our first meeting is in Pankshin and the Mass is being celebrated at the Holy Cross Cathedral,” the chaplain said.
According to the Priest of Shendam Diocese, the preparation is “an invitation to all for us to take our crosses to host the National Youth Day.”
“With faith, we can do it, but first of all, let us not forget the invitation of Jesus to carry that cross with faith and follow him. And we need to make a lot of sacrifices from the mobilisation to some financial commitment from own part to welcome all others we will be joining us in August” said be.
The priest rhetorically asked, “The nation at large is tense, can Jos Province host the national youth day?”
Fr. Naron Speaking to the Young People
“We thank God for journey mercies for bring us down to Pankshin and in a special way, we thank the Bishop, clergy and laity of Pankshin diocese for agreeing to host the first PEC meeting of the year. It is never easy.
“From the feelers we are getting this far, Pankshin will be great and Pankshin will keep rising, rising and rising. Thank you for all the sacrifices and may God continue to replenish and bless you.
He used the occasion to, on behalf of all the young people, congratulate the Provincial Youth President, “for tying the nuptial knots” while praying God to bestow him “with a happy home, long life, blessings and prosperity.”
The priest-educator is recognised for his role as principal of Saint Brendan’s Secondary School (SBSS), Fogol Kwa, in Shendam Diocese and his service to the youth, especially leading the CYON of Jos Province and coordinating youth activities across various dioceses in the province.
Jos Province is made up of Jos Archdiocese and the dioceses of Pankshin, Shendam, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Jalingo, Yola and Wukari.
He is the principal organiser of the 7th National Youth Day, scheduled to take place in Jos from 19th to 23rd August 2026.
In January 2026, Fr. Naron led a delegation of provincial youth leaders on a courtesy visit to Most Rev. Charles Michael Hammawa, the Bishop of the Jalingo Diocese and provincial episcopal liaison for the youth, to present budget proposals and spiritual plans for the upcoming national event.
He publicly expressed appreciation for the support given to youth ministries by the Church’s hierarchy, emphasising the importance of spiritual activities like the “unified Youth Week” and “Veneration of the Cross.”
