Catholics, men and women alike, have been asked to have a disposition to be used by God to bring harmony and unity in their families, as they are advised to ensure they become a source of blessing to their household, no matter the difficulties experienced in the home. The charge was given by Rev. Fr. Abraham Abui while delivering the homily at Mass during the annual AGM/thanksgiving of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), held recently at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. Fr. Abui said families that are distorted by different things can become points of cohesion and unity, especially through women who are lights that bring people together just like St. Monica, mother of Augustine of Hippo.
According to him, Augustine became converted, owing to the prayer of his mother. He said: “My dear brothers and sisters, some of you who are married, some of you who are intending to marry have to have a disposition to be used by God to bring harmony and unity in families. “For young women, and for women who are married already, sometimes there could be something that looks difficult in a family but there are some women who have come to families and they became a blessing to that family.” Advising men to beware of illegitimate relationships which saps them financially, the priest noted that some women are maltreated by their husbands who live irresponsible lives, and fail to care for their family.
He urged husbands, as well as wives to listen to their spouses, when they are being advised rightly, as he asked parents not to give up on their children, but to pray constantly for them like St. Monica did for Augustine. Asking the lawyers to represent the Church and faith in all they do, the Priest also advised them to be the best in their profession, as well as present the truth at all times to make the judiciary arm to become better. “We pray that Catholic lawyers will make a difference wherever they find themselves. I pray that as you continue to struggle, God will continue to protect you as you represent the people and the Church. We are proud to have you as our members and we pray that everything will be well with you through Christ our Lord”, he prayed.
Delivering his address on the occasion, Edward Ogar Esq., the National President reminded the legal practitioners of their job to restore the faith for living, and to lay the foundations of a world in which life, love, freedom, justice and truth will be sacred. According to Ogar, this annual gathering is an avenue for the legal practitioners to fraternise and deliberate on salient issues of concern to the association, adding that the AGM provides members with great opportunities to consider and decide on a good number of significant matters as he solicited the cooperation of the group in addressing issues, and charting the way forward.
