The maiden edition of the Weekend Symposium organized by National Association of Catholic Theologians (NACATHS), Dominican Institute chapter was held at the Tom and Carolyn Walker Hall, Dominican University, Samonda, Ibadan. It was centered on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, “Christus Vivit”, Christ is alive, directed to Young People, on Faith and Vocational Discernment. The moderator at this maiden event was brother Johnson Edeh.

The keynote address was given by Rev. Fr. Michael Woods, the chaplain, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) Ibadan Archdiocese. In his keynote address, Fr. Woods drew the attention of the audience to the first statement of Pope Francis’ Christus Vivit, “CHRIST is alive!”  He says that Christ is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youths to our world. He points out that since Christ is alive, he wants you to be alive.” He went further to make a strong connection between freedom and responsibility when he said: “freedom comes with responsibility and to be responsible requires responsibility.” More so, he said that youths do not be afraid that God is in you, he is with you and he never abandons you.  

After his keynote address, the round table discussion began with the respondents contributing their reflection on the document “Christus Vivit.” Ultimately the respondents were drawn from those in Theology, Accountancy, and Mass Communication Departments, all from the Dominican University and Dominican Institute Ibadan. Below are the names of the respondents; Jude Akachukwu, Paul Udogu MST, Gerald Ogbuefi, Loveth Ugwu, and Nofisat Iyanda