Women Called to Shape the World
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Women Called to Shape the World *
The Lay Apostolate
Serving God Through the Life You Lead
Welcome to Muriel Akahi.
Serving God through the life you lead means voluntarily offering your life to the One Who gave it to you in the first place, by living it according to His Will — so that, in everyday life, relationships, work, decisions, and initiatives, your life becomes service to God.
I call this personal service to God.
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This space is for lay women who intend to positively influence and shape the world through their work, marriage, and leadership as Christian women. This is their lay apostolate in the world. This is their personal service to God.
If you were baptised in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, you are a lay woman.
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Christians are called to take part in the mission of Christ on earth.
For lay people — those who are not clergy or ordained — this mission is lived through what the Church calls the lay apostolate: the responsibilities of life — small or great — through which you have a unique opportunity to shape society according to God's Will.
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The lay apostolate is lived where life is shaped and decisions are made — the places where people exercise influence in society, whatever the scale of that influence.
It is lived in relationships, family life, work, responsibilities, and personal initiatives — in homes, workplaces, institutions, and communities, where society itself is formed and shaped by every decision you make and every action you take.
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You start where you already are. This space invites reflection on questions such as:
As a lay woman,
How do I love?
How do I work?
How do I lead?
How do I influence?
How do I carry authority and responsibility?
How do I use what I have to shape the world in the Name of Jesus?
Holm oak tree of apparition in Fatima
Formation in This Space
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Human formation is a key aspect of priestly formation. Its purpose is to develop the character, emotional maturity, and virtues needed to relate well with others and carry responsibility before God.
It should be no less important for Christians who carry responsibility before God in human affairs. This space therefore offers an adapted form of human formation for women who seek to serve Christ by leading others.
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Understanding the Christian faith and the lay vocation as they relate to life in the world.
Find free, short, focused modules designed to support ongoing faith formation.
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God is the Author of marriage, therefore marriage should be lived as service to God.
Rather than waiting until engagement or marriage preparation, this space helps women develop a deeper understanding of Christian marriage and build the personal capacity needed to live the vocation of love and responsibility in family life.
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Professional and economic activity can become authentic expressions of service to God when understood as stewardship.
Through work, initiative, and responsible leadership in society, Christian women can contribute to the common good and serve God through the responsibilities entrusted to them.
What Guides This Work
This work begins with a conviction: Christian women are called to far more than practising their faith in personal devotion.
Led by the Holy Spirit, they are called to shape the world — through their work, decisions, relationships, initiatives, influence, and leadership at every level of society.
No role or position is too small. In homes, workplaces, communities, and institutions, women help shape people, cultures, and the direction of society.
Such a calling requires a mature sense of responsibility before God and human formation — so that they become bridges, not obstacles, between Christ and people, and make the Church present in places where clergy are not.
Muriel accompanies this work, walking with women as they discern their apostolate — the work to which God is sending them in the world — and seek to bring it to life.
Meet Muriel
Muriel Akahi is trained in theology and canon law and has over twenty years’ experience in parish ministry, faith formation, and life coaching. Her work focuses on forming Christian faith and conscience, supporting personal growth, accompanying couples in building strong and healthy relationships, and training and helping lay women live their apostolate.
Testimonials
Irina P.
“We are deeply thankful to Muriel for the role she has played in our journey towards marriage. Through her guidance in the marriage course, she helped us – Emmanuel and I – to truly appreciate the sacred meaning and lifelong commitment of the sacrament of marriage in the Church. With wisdom, compassion, and patience, she guided us to see beyond the wedding day and to prepare our hearts for the life we will share together. Her words have strengthened our faith, deepened our love, and given us the tools to build a marriage rooted in respect, understanding, and God’s grace.”
Head of Caritas Nigeria & Founder of MESH CENTRE
Rev Peter B. A.
“I have had the privilege of working with Muriel for over a decade, including her workshops at the MESH Center targeting young women, especially in their teens. I personally witnessed her remarkable ability to connect with participants, helping them bring their faith, identity, and purpose into focus. Her marriage sessions profoundly impacted participants, guiding them to respect themselves and others while fostering healthy relationships. She also introduced entrepreneurship as a practical way for disadvantaged young women to use their talents for financial independence, helping them avoid harmful sexual practices. I am deeply grateful for Muriel’s dedication to uplifting young women, her positive influence, and the life-changing guidance she provides.”
Founder of Strength of a Queen
Gladys E.
“Muriel has a rare ability to connect in a genuine and impactful way. Her support has been instrumental in helping me clarify and achieve my business goals, while her guidance leaves you feeling empowered and inspired to take action. The value she delivers is truly unmatched.”
The world needs you to carry your apostolate — this is how you bring Christ into it.
Do you ever feel a desire to do more for God
— but aren’t quite sure what or how?
Many lay women feel deeply drawn to serve God and truly wish to respond to that call, but besides church or charity roles, they don’t know what else to do to serve God.
If that’s where you are, this space is for you.
Free access for lay women who want to live their faith fully and exercise their apostolate in daily life — in work, relationships, and social and public life.
