About – CYAA HFCC Festac

About CYAA in
Lagos Archdiocese

In 2010, within the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, a unique need emerged – a group of spirited young Catholics who found themselves in a transitional phase, not fitting into any existing youth associations within the church. They were too old for CYON and too young for the CMO/CWO. In response to this pressing concern, various movements and organizations came into being, each with the aim of tending to the spiritual needs of these young faithful. These included the Young Catholic Workers (YCW), Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), Young Catholic Movement (YOM), Catholic Young Workers Organization Of Nigeria (CYWON), Catholic Young Women Organization (YCWO), and Catholic Young Adults Organization (CYAO). These groups sought to fill the void and provide these young faithful with a sense of belonging and a place to nurture their faith. Among these diverse movements, the idea of a unifying association began to take shape.

In June 2010, Rev Fr. Dees Emeana, the director of the Lay Apostolate Center and Chaplain of the Archdiocesan Laity Council, officially proposed the concept of CYAA (Catholic Young Adults Association) — a unifying force for young Catholics aged 26 to 45, regardless of their tribal, professional, or social backgrounds — to Archbishop Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie. Impressed with the proposal, the Archbishop approved the establishment of the association just two days later, on June 16, 2010.

Under the leadership of an interim executive team, with Nkem Anil at the helm, concerted efforts were made to facilitate the formation of CYAA across the parishes of the Lagos Archdiocese. Thanks to their dedication and commitment, CYAA was successfully established in 15 parishes. On March 22, 2017, the association formally appointed its spiritual Director (Chaplain), Rev Fr. Anthony Godonu, to provide guidance and support in its endeavors. Since its inception, CYAA has flourished, attracting vibrant, intelligent, and skilled individuals from various backgrounds. It has fostered unity among young Catholic adults within and across parishes. As we fast-forward to 2023, the association continues to thrive, with the guidance of his Grace Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Archbishop of Lagos, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu as CYAA ADC Chaplain, and Mr. Andrew Enakhifo serving as ADC President.

CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULTS ASSOCIATION IN BRIEF

The CYAA is the umbrella body for Catholic Youths within the ages of 26 – 45. We are made up of vibrant, intelligent and skillful individuals of different professions and backgrounds. .

Objectives

To foster unity and better understanding among catholic young adults in the parish and the Church at large.
To encourage spiritual growth, provides a platform for social interactions, to encourage intra/inter marriages.

Motto

Service to God for the benefit of Humanity

Patron Saint

St. Francis of Assisi and our Feast day is 4th of October Annually.

Tripod Structure

In line with our objectives, our activities are in a tripod structure across all parishes;

1. Spiritual Through devotions, prayer retreats and the likes

2. Welfare Through corporal works of mercy organised by the association for both parishioners and non-parishioners alike

3. Education/Empowerment Through various empowerment and leadership programmes geared at improving the catholic youth and making them well rounded in their professions and in other areas of their interest. We equally encourage intra-marital relationships to help foster and strengthen our faith for both couple and their generations to come.