Thy Will Be Done”: Akubeze Calls for Total Surrender and Fidelity at Benin City Cathedraticum
March 26, 2026
BENIN CITY – The atmosphere at the Holy Cross Cathedral was one of solemn joy and profound ecclesial unity on Thursday, March 26, 2026, as the Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, presided over the annual Benin City Deanery Cathedraticum.
Against the backdrop of the approaching Holy Week, the Archbishop delivered a powerful charge to the faithful, centered on the transformative power of divine obedience and the beauty of a life fully surrendered to God.
A Shepherd Reflects on a Growing Vineyard
For Archbishop Akubeze, this year’s Cathedraticum was more than a liturgical function; it was a milestone of grace. Addressing the congregation, he marked 39 years of priesthood and 20 years as a Bishop, with 15 of those years spent shepherding the Archdiocese of Benin City.
He spoke with fatherly pride about the “remarkable growth” he has witnessed during his tenure. From the construction of new churches and the creation of parishes to the rising numbers of infants baptized and young people confirmed, the Archbishop noted that these are not just statistics, but “testimonies to thecontinued growth of the Gospel in our land.” He reminded the lay faithful, “By virtue of our baptism, we are all called to participate in the mission of saving souls.”
The Scriptural Blueprint: Abraham, Mary, and Christ
The heart of the homily was an invitation to move beyond “passive” faith. Drawing from the day’s readings, the Archbishop presented three models of surrender:
Abraham’s Reverence: He described Abraham falling on his face before God—not just as a posture, but as a “heart laid low before divine majesty.” He taught that true prayer begins with God’s initiation and ends with our “freedom in trust.”
Mary’s Availability: He pointed to the Blessed Virgin Mary’s fiat, noting that her title as “handmaid” reflected a complete availability to a plan she did not fully understand.
Christ’s Gethsemane: The Archbishop emphasized that even Jesus experienced human fear and sorrow, yet His will remained perfectly aligned with the Father’s.
“Our human wishes can never surpass God’s perfect plan,” the Archbishop remarked. “To surrender to God is not a loss; it is the gateway to blessings far beyond what we can imagine.”
The Cost of Fidelity in a Modern World
Archbishop Akubeze did not shy away from the practical challenges of “keeping God’s word.” He warned that standing with Christ in 2026 often carries a social and professional price. To be faithful, he argued, means:
Refusing the lure of dishonesty and corruption.
Choosing integrity even when it results in being passed over for promotions.
Facing ridicule or social pressure for upholding Gospel values.
He reminded the congregation that while the world may offer quick gains, the reward for fidelity is “eternal life, peace, and the joy of serving God.”
A Moment of Communion and Solidarity
Earlier, the Dean of the Benin City Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Omogiate, set the tone for the event with a warm welcome address. Speaking on behalf of the 46 parishes, chaplaincies, and 26 institutions that comprise the Deanery, Fr. Omogiate described the Cathedraticum as a public expression of “loyalty, communion, and solidarity.”
“Through our collective support, we reassure our Archbishop that he does not labor alone in the vineyard of the Lord,” Fr. Omogiate stated, emphasizing the synergy between the shepherd and his collaborators—the priests, religious, and lay faithful.
An Appeal for Lenten Transformation
As the ceremony concluded, the Archbishop urged the faithful to use the final days of Lent to seek reconciliation in the Sacrament of Confession, to forgive long-standing grudges, and to be “generous with their resources.”
He emphasized that while the Cathedraticum involves financial support for the office of the Bishop (the “Cathedra”), the spiritual support through prayer remains his greatest treasure. He encouraged all to give joyfully, reminding them that “we cannot repay God for the air we breathe,” but our offerings reflect the depth of our gratitude.
The event closed with a sense of renewed mission, as the clergy and laity of the Benin City Deanery departed the Cathedral strengthened to be “faithful workers in His vineyard for all the days of our lives.”
