Canon Law Society of Nigeria Urged to Embrace God’s Commandments as “source of liberation”

The Catholic Church leader pointed out the joy and clarity that comes from obedience of God's commandments. 

“The commandments of the Lord bring joy to the heart,” he said, noting that any deviation from these precepts brings about “spiritual darkness and confusion.”

Archbishop Akubeze called on canon lawyers to be diligent in their duties, offering clear and just counsel to the communities they serve. He urged them to always align whatever they do with the teachings of the Church.

He also reflected on the relationship between canonical law and the sacraments, urging his CLSN members to consider their sacred responsibility in guiding those receiving the sacraments.

 “Our vocation is a service to the truth, to keep the people of God within the framework of His commandments,” the Archbishop said.

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In his homily, Archbishop Akubeze also touched on the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, describing her as the most faithful disciple of Christ who perfectly observed God’s commandments. 

He encouraged CLSN members to emulate her example of pondering deeply on the word of God and treasuring His commandments, including the Ten Commandments, the Precepts of the Church, and the canons of the Church’s legal code.

This year's convention, Archbishop Akubeze noted, focuses on the legal challenges faced by religious institutions in Nigeria, particularly as they navigate their roles in a rapidly changing society. 

The 67-year-old Archbishop who has been at the helm of the Benin City Archdiocese since April 2011 emphasized the need for collaboration between religious leaders, legal experts, and the faithful to address the challenges that religious institutions in Nigeria face.

“It is my hope that, by the end of this convention, we will have developed new insights and solutions to the issues facing our local churches and religious institutions,” Archbishop Akubeze said. 

He called for the establishment of frameworks that would better support religious associations seeking to navigate legal challenges, ensuring that they remain true to their mission and the Gospel of Christ.

Archbishop Akubeze prayed for God’s continued guidance over the Church in Nigeria, asking that all present remain steadfast in their commitment to God’s commandments. 

“May the Lord bless us and keep us in the way of His commandments,” he implored.

The September 23-27 Annual Convention is to engage participants in discussions on various aspects of Church law, the sacraments, and the challenges faced by religious institutions in Nigeria today.

The Convention has been organized on the theme “Pious Association Tending Towards Institute of Consecrated Life in the Church in Nigeria.”

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.