At the opening Mass for the 2025/2026 Legal Year of Catholic Lawyers in the Archdiocese of Abuja, held on the First Sunday of Advent at the Church of the Assumption, Asokoro, Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama delivered a powerful call to spiritual vigilance, justice, and renewed moral commitment.
Reflecting on the Advent readings, the Archbishop described the season as a time of “hope and spiritual vigilance,” urging Nigerians to couple spiritual wakefulness with heightened security awareness amid ongoing violence in the country. He prayed for a peaceful Christmas season free from attacks on worshippers.
Addressing Catholic legal practitioners gathered for their annual thanksgiving and handover ceremony, he commended their service and reminded them that Advent and the new legal year both invite a renewed sense of purpose. “Life is a series of beginnings,” he said, calling lawyers to integrity, justice delivery, and service to the common good.
Archbishop Kaigama highlighted Nigeria’s persistent challenges—corruption, insecurity, poverty, and political selfishness—warning that these societal failings demand repentance and reform. Citing Scriptural examples from Nineveh, Sodom, and the days of Noah, he urged the faithful to reject “deeds of darkness” and to embrace truth, charity, and moral courage.
Drawing from Isaiah 2:1–5 and Romans 13:11–14, he emphasized the need for justice as the foundation for peace. He lamented the slow and selective nature of justice in Nigeria, insisting that the right to life must be protected and violators held accountable.
To Catholic lawyers, he delivered a direct charge: “Your profession is a vocation — to be guardians of order, defenders of rights, protectors of the weak, and advocates for the voiceless.” He urged them to practice law with integrity, transparency, and compassion, warning against corruption, manipulation, and intimidation in the justice system.
Addressing recent criticism on social media accusing him of remaining silent about attacks on Christians, the Archbishop firmly rejected the claims, highlighting his decades-long advocacy for human rights and the sanctity of life. He noted his engagements with national leaders on behalf of vulnerable citizens and his interventions at international forums, including the United Nations. Despite the attacks, he extended forgiveness and cautioned Nigerians against irresponsible use of social media and defamation.
He reminded the faithful that discouragement is one of the devil’s greatest weapons. “Life is sacred,” he said. “No one should kill or degrade life for any reason.”
Archbishop Kaigama concluded by inviting Catholics to enter Advent with renewed faith, justice, and moral clarity. “Stay awake,” he urged. “May this Advent be fruitful and spiritually enriching for us all.”
Source: Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama
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