-Tours Mary Agro Farm
By Fr. Vincent Iwuchukwu
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Canon Law Society of Nigeria (CLSN), Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, held its Provincial Professional Seminar at St. Mary Pro-Cathedral in Udi, Enugu. The event, themed “Exploring Possible Canonical Remedies and Rehabilitation of Falsely Accused Persons in Sexual Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults,” brought together canon law experts from various dioceses, including Onitsha, Abakaliki, Enugu, Nnewi, Agwu, and Nsukka.
The seminar was hosted by Most Rev. Dr. Ernest Obodo, Titular Bishop of Mediana and Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese. In his welcome address, Bishop Obodo emphasized that canon law is not a replacement for faith, grace, or charism but a tool to guide Christians toward salvation. He extended greetings on behalf of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, the clergy, and the people of Enugu Diocese.
Before the seminar, attendees toured Mary Agro Farms in Udi, an initiative spearheaded by the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu. The event was chaired by Rev. Fr. Prof. Jude Oseloka Ezeanokwasa, Head of the Department of Customary and Religious Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, and a judge at the Metropolitan Tribunal in Miami, USA. He also moderated the paper presentation.
A keynote paper titled “Restoration of Church Personnel Falsely Accused of Sexual Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults: Canonical, Pastoral, and Psychological Considerations” was delivered by Rev. Fr. Dr. Alfred Nwoye, Judicial Vicar of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and lecturer at Bigard Memorial Seminary and Godfrey Okoye University. Following the presentation, participants engaged in a lively discussion, with contributions and questions from the audience.
The Vice President of the CLSN Onitsha Province, Rev. Fr. Hilary Ezenwa, representing the Provincial Coordinator CLSN, Rev. Fr. Francis Chidume, addressed the body and welcomed all in attendance for this 2nd Provincial Seminar.
Prominent figures in attendance included His Eminence Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulọbịa Diocese and Chairman of the Canon Law Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN); Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, Bishop of Nnewi and Chairman of the CBCN Mission Commission; and Very Rev. Fr. Francis O. Chidume, Coordinator of CLSN-Onitsha Province. Other notable attendees included Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Chime, President of the Enugu Inter-Diocesan Tribunal, and Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Titus Nnabugwu, Judicial Vicar of Nnewi Diocese amongst other hosts of canonists.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, and a closing prayer led by Cardinal Okpaleke. The event highlighted the Church’s commitment to addressing the challenges of false accusations and ensuring justice and rehabilitation for affected clergy.
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