By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, says Nigeria needs urgent healing from insecurity, corruption, religious intolerance, poverty, and a loss of trust in institutions.
Abegunrin stated this in Ibadan on Sunday during the Thanksgiving Mass for Catholic Lawyers at the opening of the New Legal Year and the grand finale of the National Catholic Catechetical Week.
He thanked God for the release of the 20 corps members who were abducted while traveling from Oyo State on Oct. 1 (Independence Day), emphasising that the entire situation showed that the country needed healing.
“We also need healing from the temptation to put personal interest above the common good, though it may not come simply because Nigerians pray for it,” he said, noting that prayers must produce conversion.
“As we pray for peace, we must become instruments of peace. As we pray for justice, we must practice justice. As we condemn corruption, we must refuse to participate in corruption.
"As we ask God to unite Nigeria, we must refuse to spread hatred and division,” he charged.
Speaking on justice and national cohesion, Abegunrin warned that a society cannot experience lasting peace if citizens believe that the law protects only the rich and powerful.
“A country cannot enjoy genuine national cohesion if people believe that justice depends on who you know, how much you have, or what position you occupy,” he said.
He, therefore, charged Catholic lawyers whose theme was “Faith, Justice and National Cohesion: The Legal Profession as an Instrument of Peace” to allow their faith to influence their profession.
“Your faith must not end when you leave the church after Mass. It must accompany you into your chambers, offices, courtrooms, professional associations, and private dealings.
“It must influence the cases you accept, the advice you give, the arguments you advance, and the manner in which you treat colleagues, clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel.
“As a lawyer, you do not merely interpret laws; you participate in the ordering of society. Therefore, do so with integrity and a passion for the truth,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration coincided with the Catholic 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A, with readings from Isaiah 25:6-10a; Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20; and Matthew 22:1-14.
Abegunrin said the day brought together three celebrations that point to one reality: God’s invitation to His banquet, man’s response, and the life that should follow.
He explained that Isaiah’s vision of a banquet prepared by God for all peoples as God’s alternative to division.
The Prelate added that it speaks powerfully to Nigeria as a nation of many peoples whose diversity should enrich and not divide it.
Linking it to the Catechetical Week theme, “You shall have no other gods besides me,” he warned that whatever occupies God’s place eventually controls a person.
“Some people have made money, power, political influence, social status, and professional success become their god.
"These things are not always bad in themselves, but when we make them ultimate in our lives, we defy God,” he said.
On the Gospel of the wedding feast, he said that God’s invitation demands a response and a wedding garment of righteousness, charity, and integrity.
Abegunrin further stressed that it is not enough to say “I am a Catholic” and attend Mass.
He reminded lawyers that in moments when professional integrity costs something, they should remember St. Paul’s words, “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.”
He enjoined them to always know that their strength comes from Christ.
The Archbishop prayed for Catholic lawyers, all who administer justice, and for Nigeria to experience justice, unity, and peace.
NAN
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