The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has called on Catholic laity across the country to remain steadfast in their commitment to Church doctrines and actively promote Catholic Social Teachings in society.
Archbishop Ugorji made the call on Friday while receiving the National President of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Sir Ambrose Obioha, KSM, during a courtesy visit at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Complex, Owerri. The Laity President was accompanied by the National Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ifediba, and the National President of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Prince Faith Uche Iwuorisha, KSM.
The CBCN President stressed the importance of the laity working in close collaboration with the Bishops’ Conference to ensure unity of purpose within the Church, noting that fidelity to Catholic teachings remains central to the Church’s mission in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the Catholic Bishops are currently implementing an initiative aimed at embedding Catholic Social Teaching (CST) across all Catholic-owned educational institutions in the country.
“The Conference is working to ensure that Catholic Social Teaching trickles down to Catholic primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, so that Catholics can internalise our core values,” Archbishop Ugorji said.
He urged the Laity Council to take a leadership role in encouraging Catholics to live out their faith practically in their daily lives, adding that proper moral and spiritual formation would contribute to positive social transformation in the country.
According to him, “Well-trained children eventually become responsible men and women capable of bringing about the positive change we desire in Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Sir Ambrose Obioha reaffirmed the Laity Council’s commitment to upholding the teachings and social values of the Catholic Church. He pledged the council’s continued cooperation with the Bishops’ Conference, stressing the need for constant guidance to ensure alignment with the Church’s mission.
Obioha said the visit was also an opportunity to seek the Archbishop’s counsel on how best to carry out the council’s responsibilities “in a manner that promotes the common good.”
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He further presented his work plan to Archbishop Ugorji, outlining the strategic direction of the Laity Council and formally requesting episcopal guidance for its effective implementation.
The visit was described as a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between the clergy and the leadership of the laity, reinforcing a united effort to deepen the faith of Nigerian Catholics.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to unity and a shared resolve to actively promote Catholic teachings on social justice, human dignity and the common good across the country.
