The much awaited celebration of the Diocesan Phase of the Synod of Bishops in the Archdiocese of Benin City has been declared opened by the Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev Augustine Akubeze, during a special opening mass dedicated to the Holy Spirit, held at St Paul Catholic Church, Airport road in the state capital.
Participants at the Opening Mass was drawn from different parishes across the 3 Deaneries (Abudu, Benin City, Iguobazuwa) within the Archdiocese.
Speaking in an homily at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, Archbishop Akubeze congratulated all Christ Faithful present for obying the wishes of their various Parish Priests by their active participation as parish delegates, as he also reminded the faithful on the role they need to play in achieving their evangelization goal.
He however added by calling on all delegates to turn away from all forms of social vices that is contrary to the tenets of the virtues of Love ascribed in the Ten commandments, while urging that it is imperative for faithful to always be guided by the light of Christ.
“Allow the light of Christ to enlighten your eyes to see…” says the Archbishop, who further called on the faithful to respect the constituted authority of the Church, even as they propose a way forward towards the growth of the Church and take Christ as their model.
While observating the Fact that some Faithful sometimes exhibit disregard to Church’s authority, he later admonished all delegates to see other Church leaders as Christ representatives, hence he noted that they ought not to be discourged by the attitude of some Church leaders as to be deviated from the Church active participation, but rather collaborate with their Pastors.
On his part, the Dean of Benin City and Chairman of the Diocesan Synod committee, Very Rev Fr Dr Edwin Omorogbe welcomed all delegates from various parishes and appreciated the Archbishop for coming to open the Diocesan Phase of the Synod.
He further described the Opening Mass which was dedicated to the Holy Spirit, as a way of enlightening the hearts of all participants, as he also declared that, “the mass was like a Confirmation of all delegates who were attending the Diocesan Synodal opening mass.”
This was closing followed by a general introduction of the programme of activities at each sessions of the Synod by one of the facilitators and Parish Priest of St Monica Catholic Church, Benin City, Rev Fr Dr Charles Omogiate at Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, within the Catholic Estate.
Meanwhile, the Diocesan Phase of Synod is expected to end this Thursday with a Special Closing Mass to be celebrated by the Archbishop of Benin City, during the Feast of St Patrick, the principal Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Benin City, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission road, in the State Capital.
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