The Church in Nigeria

Bishop Anselm Pendo Lawani called on bishops, priests, religious, and the lay faithful to approach sacred mysteries with reverence, humility, and gratitude during a plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Speaking at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oke Fia, Osogbo, on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Bishop of Ilorin Diocese delivered a reflection during solemn Vespers and Benediction. Drawing from the book of Hebrews, Bishop Lawani stated that worship should not be treated as a routine gathering because every act of liturgy is a participation in the worship of heaven.

He further emphasized that dioceses, parishes, and chapels must serve as places where people experience a genuine encounter with God. He challenged Church leaders and the faithful to act as living witnesses of Christ.

Bishop John Akinkunmi Oyejola presided over the opening Mass of the second plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at St. Benedict Catholic Cathedral in Osogbo on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

During his homily, Bishop Oyejola, who leads the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, called for electoral integrity and divine accountability among Nigerian leaders. He addressed the culture of impunity and self-aggrandisement in political leadership, stating that public office is a sacred trust under God rather than personal property or a family inheritance. He reminded those in power that earthly authority is temporary and that all leaders will eventually answer to God for their actions and how they treat the people.

The Eucharistic celebration was led by CBCN President Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso. The event was attended by cardinals, archbishops, and bishops from across the country, as well as clergy, royal and civic dignitaries, and thousands of lay faithful.