National Association Of Catholic Lawyers Makurdi Celebrates Red Mass
Erdoo Due
In order to commence another legal year, the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL) in Makurdi diocese held a Red/Thanksgiving mass on the 29th day of November 2020 at the Divine Mercy Minor Seminary Makurdi. The mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, His Lordship Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, assisted by Rev. Frs. Remigius Ihyula (Spiritual Director Catholic Lawyers Makurdi), Marcel-Mary Oparaji, CMF (Rector Divine Mercy Minor Seminary).
In a homily, the Bishop urged all Christians to watch and pray in preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as the Sunday marked the beginning of advent in the Catholic Calendar. He said “stand for the truth at all times and wherever you find yourselves be ready to defend the gospel of Christ in your various homes, offices, gatherings and even churches.” As lawyers, you must always be ready to stand for the truth exhibiting transparency in all your ways. Remember you have been tasked with the responsibility of bringing up avenues that will tackle security challenges and issues affecting us as an ethnic group and the church as a whole he emphasized. Bishop Anagbe further pledged his continuous support to the association so long as it is aimed at promoting growth and welfare of the church.
On his part, Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula appreciated the Bishop for sparing time to celebrate the Red Mass for the catholic lawyers to commemorate a new legal year. He also commended the lawyers for finding it worthy to align with God as they begin a new year in their profession. He encouraged them to keep up the spirit of togetherness and spirituality while he wished them well in their endeavours.
On behalf of the Legal team, Polycarp A’ande Esq President of NACL Makurdi Diocese expressed gratitude to the Bishop for availing himself to them at a short notice to celebrate the Mass. He also appreciated Fr. Ihyula for guiding and supporting them through the journey of spirituality. Others include Chukwuma Ezeala Esq- National President NACL represented by Mike Utsaha Esq, Hon. Justice Igoche, Learned silk Bernard Hom SAN, P.M Ukande Esq-Director Public prosecution, Benue State Ministry of Justice , Justine Gbagir Esq-NBA Makurdi Chairman, Chief Dr. Caroline Mbafan Ekpendu Esq and all lawyers present for their relentless effort in sustaining the association. Barr. A’ande also said “the Catholic Lawyers are always available for the Diocese of Makurdi and will do its best to sustain this commitment.”
The National President of NACL delivered goodwill message through Mike Utsaha Esq that “the preceding year has been one of the most challenging years even for the legal profession. However, there is hope for the new legal year which begins today. Let us not forget to pray for the reposed souls of our members with inspiration from the words of Pope Benedict xvi and assure you that, the Lord will not abandon the church or any member of NACL. I must also acknowledge the rapid improvement in the activism within the Diocese ranging from establishment of a pilgrimage center to so many catholic schools which Divine Mercy Minor seminary is one amongst. The Central planning committee has also done a great job for us at the National level. We shall continue to adhere to teachings and rules of the Catholic Church.”
For the Rector of Divine Mercy Minor Seminary Marcel-Mary Oparaji CMF, the efforts of the lawyers in sustaining unity and spiritual faith by celebrating the Red Mass in preparation to deliver justice is noteworthy. He further said this event being celebrated in the seminary for a second time today also serve as a vocational call for the seminarians as even priest can become lawyers.
Chief Dr. Caroline Mbafan Ekpendu in her goodwill message said “I am proud of NACL Makurdi Diocese, most especially with the turn up for today’s event. I am one of the pioneer members and was the Acting President for the association before this interim EXCO. The idea of a thanksgiving/red mass is very important for the legal year. So I urge the association to do more. In the next five years, we hope to be close to where the National Headquarters is in Abuja in terms of growth as we seek to take the association to the most advanced height.”
For T.T Igba Esq, CPC chairman, it has been a wonderful event bringing out lawyers to relax. He commended the committee for support, “the Spiritual Director, Bishop and members of NACL who have been wonderful. I will always be available for the service of NACL and Makurdi Diocese.”
