By Roseline Idoko
At the ongoing plenary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) holding in Abuja, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, has urged Christians to embrace sincere conversion and prioritise the common good. The Bishop made this call in his homily during the Holy Mass on Day-3 of the Plenary Assembly of the Bishops.
Describing Lent as a “special spiritual expedition” requiring honest introspection, Bishop Ajakaye emphasised that true penance demands more than outward rituals; it requires genuine reconciliation with God and neighbour. Drawing from Isaiah 58, he urged the faithful to purge themselves of hatred, accusations, and harmful speech, making room for the transformative power of love.
“Lent is a season for mending fractured relationships and rediscovering God’s limitless promises,” he said. He encouraged the congregation to anchor their lives in God’s timing, praying “Teach me, Lord, your way.”
Quoting Albert Einstein, Bishop Ajakaye noted that there are always people who have “problems for every solution” because they have negative view of everything and every situation. He therefore challenged his fellow Bishops and the congregation to seek unusual ways to approach some of the issues in the Church and in the society. “We must seek and embrace unusual ways in order to bring necessary changes in the Church and in the society.”
Linking his message to the 2026 CBCN Plenary theme, “The Common Good and Leadership in Nigeria,” Bishop Ajakaye encouraged CBCN delegates to prioritise transparency, accountability, and the common good. The Church must be more practical in their role towards the forth coming elections in the country. He exhorted the faithful to pray fervently for the nation, emphasising that moral leadership and collective responsibility are crucial for progress. “Lasting progress requires collaboration,” he said, noting the Church’s role in guiding society toward justice and hope.
In conclusion, the Bishop stressed that obedience to Lenten teachings should be a permanent lifestyle, enabling believers to encounter God in themselves and their neighbours. Quoting 1 Samuel 15:22, he emphasised that “obedience is better than sacrifice,” thus challenging the faithful to make this year’s Lenten journey “business unusual.”
