ยญBy CSN Media
The second day of the ongoing first 2025 plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) commenced with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Mass with Lauds. The Mass was celebrated by the Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyakan.
In his homily at the Mass, Cardinal Onaiyekan drew attention to the theme of the CBCN Plenary meeting, “Jubilee of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria,” urging Nigerians to make right choices before God and to strive for spiritual renewal. He noted that Nigeria is in a state of spiritual emergency, requiring collective action by all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
The bishops proceeded to their first session, where they engaged with various religious bodies, lay apostolate groups, and sodalities. The President of Major Religious Congregations, National President of Diocesan Priests Association, and Chaplains of the Arm Forces, the Nigerian Police, and the Nigerian Correctional Centres, presented their reports to the Conference.
Additionally, the Presidents of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN), Knights of St. John International (KSJI), and Knights of St Mulumba (KSM) equally presented their reports. The Catholic Women Organization (CWO), Catholic Men Organization (CMO), and the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) also presented their reports, providing the bishops with a comprehensive overview of the state of the Church in Nigeria.
The bishops deliberated on the various reports, proposing a way forward for the groups to be better positioned for their roles in the mission of the Church in Nigeria.
In his reflection, “Hope for Nigeria in Distress”, Prof. Michael Kwanashie who addressed the bishops during the session, highlighted the transformative role of hope, emphasizing it as a call for national renewal. Drawing from the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, he stressed that hope is not mere optimism but “a commitment to action and transformation.” This is crucial for Nigeria, where “economic instability, corruption, and political dysfunction” have led to widespread disillusionment. Kwanashie argues that the principles of “forgiveness, renewal, and social justice” in the Jubilee framework offer a path to restore trust and prioritize “inclusive governance, transparency, and uplifting the underprivileged.”
Prof. Kwanashie in the reflection, also addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges, like inflation and unemployment, which he said require urgent attention. The country’s growing debt burden and political instability, characterized by “weak institutions and corruption.” He tied these issues to the Jubilee Yearโs call for debt forgiveness and national reconciliation, concluding that hope can stabilize society and inspire “ethical governance” and “economic justice” to foster the countryโs recovery.
The evening session resumed with a meeting with the Apostolic Nuncio.
The CBCN gathering aims at addressing pressing issues and in promoting unity, peace, and development in the Church and the nation,
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