Religious Day 2026: Archbishop’s Representative Urges Consecrated Persons to Embody Christ’s Light

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

​In a vibrant celebration blending centuries of tradition with contemporary spiritual renewal, the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City marked the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Monday, February 2, 2026. Representing the Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Oyanoafoh, delivered a powerful and soul-searching homily that challenged religious men and women to move beyond the mere "labels" of their congregations and embrace a life of authentic Christian charity. He began by tracing the deep historical evolution of the feast—from its 4th-century roots in Jerusalem, where it began without the specific focus on consecrated life, to its 5th-century spread to Rome and the Eastern Empire, and eventually its 8th-century transformation into "Candlemas" with the addition of the blessing of candles. Fr. Oyanoafoh emphasized the profound symbolism of this alignment, introduced by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997, noting that just as the infant Jesus was consecrated in the Temple 40 days after His birth as the "Light to the Gentiles," consecrated persons are called to be beacons of hope in a dark world.

However, he issued a stern warning against spiritual mediocrity, insisting that those in religious life must maintain a level of integrity and dignity that distinguishes them from the secular world; he candidly remarked that consecrated women should not mirror the temperament of "market women," nor should religious men adopt the rowdy or disrespectful mannerisms of "motor park agberos," but instead should carry themselves with the grace befitting their divine calling as mirrors of Christ.

​Drawing deep inspiration from the biblical figures of Simeon and Anna, Fr. Oyanoafoh highlighted that their strength came from a life of constant prayer, fasting, and being led by the Holy Spirit.

He described Simeon as a righteous and devout man of unusual promise who, after holding the Messiah, proclaimed he could depart in peace because there was nothing left to see after the Savior. He held up Anna the prophetess as a model for those who have faced sorrow, noting she never grew bitter and never ceased to worship night and day. This, he noted, is a "big challenge" for modern religious who must never lose hope or cease to worship God. He strongly cautioned religious members against "moving from pillar to post" in search of miracles or external prayers from lay people and pastors, asserting that the Catholic Church provides ample spiritual nourishment through the Liturgy of the Hours, the Holy Bible, the Rosary, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

He underscored that a robust individual prayer life is non-negotiable, quoting Cardinal Bernadine to remind the congregation that a strong prayer life developed in "best moments" is what sustains a person during their "weaker moments," and adding the theological insight that "they pray best together who first pray alone."

​The Chancellor’s message took a poignant and direct turn as he addressed the internal dynamics of religious communities, reminding the clergy that no ritual is holier than love and no religion is greater than kindness. Expressing deep concern over reports of "cruelty" or members treating one another like "slaves" and wishing them dead within the same congregation, he urged them to prioritize empathy over ego, noting that being a religious person is meaningless if one is not first a good human being.

He encouraged them to "embody the meaning" of the scriptures rather than just quoting verses, ensuring that their humanity speaks louder than their vows. Speaking further as Chancellor, he called for absolute obedience to constituted authority and superiors, urging the religious to develop a "thick skin" for the Lord even when faced with discouragement from their own peers. He specifically defended the joyful expression of their talents—such as dancing during thanksgiving—encouraging them to keep up their spirits with "a little control" and urging others not to judge those who dance for reasons known only to God, but rather to "rejoice with them."

​The ceremony, which began with a solemn candlelight procession into the sanctuary accompanied by Diocesan priests showing solidarity, was a colorful display of communal faith. The Archdiocesan Vicar for Religious, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Ashoro, CRS, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Akubeze for his love and support despite his absence due to exigency travel, and he commended the host Augustinian community led by Prior Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Matthew Onalugho, OSA, and Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Solomon Uju, OSA. The atmosphere was further enriched by the massive turnout of lay parishioners on a busy Monday, including the Catholic Men, Women, and a choir that thrilled the religious visitors with renowned musical renditions. The high point of the event was the solemn renewal of religious vows, as representatives of various congregations led the prayer of the faithful while showcasing their unique insignias and symbols of their apostolate, fulfilling the threefold purpose of the feast: to praise God, promote knowledge of the consecrated life, and celebrate the wonders God works through His chosen servants.