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.
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.
