By Fr. Leo Ehiemere
It was an evening of prayer, reflection and spiritual communion as members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) joined clergy, religious and lay faithful at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oke Fia, Osogbo, for solemn Vespers and Benediction during the Bishops’ plenary assembly on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Delivering the reflection, the Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, drew inspiration from Hebrews 12: 22–24, inviting the congregation to contemplate the profound mystery of Christian worship and the privileges of belonging to the New Covenant in Christ.
Reflecting on the passage, Bishop Lawani explained that Christians do not approach God as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai, marked by fear and distance, but rather come to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, where they join countless angels, the communion of saints and Jesus Christ, the mediator of the New Covenant.
The Bishop used the occasion to highlight four key lessons from the Scripture. First, he underscored the sacredness of the liturgy, reminding the faithful that every act of worship is a participation in the worship of heaven itself. He urged Bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful to approach the sacred mysteries with reverence, humility and gratitude, noting that worship should never be reduced to a routine gathering.
Turning to the mission of the Church, Bishop Lawani emphasised that dioceses, parishes and chapels must be places where people genuinely encounter God. He challenged Church leaders and faithful alike to become living witnesses of Christ through their words, actions and service, so that others may discover hope, mercy and spiritual renewal through them.
The prelate also reflected on the dual reality of God as both loving Father and just Judge. While celebrating God’s mercy and compassion, he cautioned against forgetting the call to holiness, repentance and accountability. He particularly reminded Church leaders of their responsibility before God in the exercise of their ministry and stewardship.
Focusing on Jesus Christ and the Blood of the New Covenant, Bishop Lawani noted that while Abel’s blood cried out for justice, the Blood of Christ proclaims a greater message of mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation and redemption. He encouraged the faithful never to despair of God’s mercy, stressing that no sinner is beyond the reach of divine grace when there is sincere repentance.
Concluding his reflection, Bishop Lawani urged the faithful to worship with deeper reverence, serve with humility, lead with integrity and boldly proclaim the saving power of Christ. He prayed that the Church in Nigeria would continue to be a place where people encounter God and experience the transforming power of His mercy and love.
