The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria (CBCN) have converged at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Abuja for the first 2022 Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) conference.
At the opening Mass on Sunday, 6 March 2022, presided over by the CBCN President, Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the homilist, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama invited all to attitudinal change by building a civilization of love.
Dwelling on the theme of the conference, “Fratelli Tutti: Path to building human fraternity and sustainable peace in Nigeria” Archbishop Kaigama stated that the Bishops hope to draw from the Holy Father, Pope Francis’ Encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti” which was released in 2020. He thus invited everyone, especially the over 50 million Catholics in Nigeria to develop the spirit of togetherness.
His Grace further noted that the decision to hold the CBCN plenary during the Lenten season is very significant because the season calls for deep reflection on our relationship with God and with one another.
The Secretary General of CSN, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Samjumi welcomed all the Excellencies to CSN and invited everyone to join the opening ceremony of the 2022 plenary that would take place immediately after the opening Mass.
Fr. Samjumi further introduced the CSN News Magazine and encouraged all to pick a copy or more and savour the rich content. He also invited all to the commissioning of the Grotto of “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” and Rosary and Benediction later in the evening at 5:00pm today.
The opening ceremony began with the Enthronement of the Bible led by Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu of Jos Archdiocese. He encouraged all to listen to the word of God, treasure it in their hearts before telling it to others. He reminded that “God is always present with us through His word.”
While presenting his address, the Papal Nuncio, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi commended the CBCN for always collaborating with the Nuncio apostolate. Commenting on the theme of the conference, he reiterated the need for fraternity at all levels of the Church and society, sounding a note of caution that fraternity and sentiments cannot work together. He said, “sentiments endanger fraternity.”
The CBCN President, His Grace Augustine Obiora Akubeze stated that the theme of the conference “addresses the core of our being” because “we are all children of the same God.” He reiterated the need for a united Nigeria, while challenging everyone to exercise their voting rights in the forthcoming 2023 election. He further appreciated the Papal Nuncio for his services to the Church in Nigeria since his assumption of office, noting that “indeed, the Nuncio has been a visible reminder that the successor of St. Peter is close to us in Nigeria to pray for us and to pray with us.”
In his opening remark, the chairman of the opening ceremony, Barr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, applauded the CBCN for always working hard to strengthen and advance the principles of human living. He noted that their sacrifices and self-denial far exceed those of any other congregation. “In your attitude to those who have wealth and power, you have demonstrated that nothing can alter the principles of the Church.”
Additionally, the Chairman reminded the Church that Nigeria has been placed in the hands of the Church, as such, the Church remains the only hope of the country. He called for unity of all Nigerians, noting that “if nothing else binds Nigerians, our common experiences of adversity should do.”
The opening ceremony featured a colourful attendance of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, the President of Nigeria represented by the Minister for Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen and many prominent personalities of the Church and society.
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