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Tag: Catholic Bishop

  • We won’t compromise spirituality in Knighthood admission – Catholic Bishop

    We won’t compromise spirituality in Knighthood admission – Catholic Bishop

    Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anambra State, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has reassured the church’s continued support to any arm of the church that contributes to its growth and salvation of souls.

    The bishop gave the assurance in a press briefing ahead of the first anniversary, admission and investiture of new members of Catholic Order, Knights of St Michael the Archangel (CKSMA).

    He said the church consists of several charisms working together for her good, encouraging members to identify with any of the platforms for their spirituality and for the church edification.

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    According to him, the church had maintained strict adherence to criteria for joining any of the groups and would never compromise that standard regardless of the status of the concerned individuals.

    Describing CKSMA as peculiar in view of its impacts in the church within one year of its emergence, Ezeokafor said members of the group met the requirements before being admitted.

    He said, “The target of every Christian is salvation, and anything that will assist you in achieving that goal should be encouraged.

    “We have a standard in admitting members in Knighthood; but the major criteria are spirituality. We can’t compromise that because once you’re made a knight, all eyes are on you.”

  • Massive voting antidote to election rigging – Catholic bishop

    The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged Nigerians to turn out en masse on today to cast their votes and ensure their votes counted.

    He identified massive voting as one sure way to checkmate election rigging and manipulation of results in the country.

    The prelate who spoke yesterday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, advised Nigerians to vote according to their conscience to ensure the emergence of credible leaders.

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    He cautioned against vote-trading, insisting that such vices were inimical to the electoral process.

    Ezeokafor further asked politicians and their supporters to respect the constitution and play by the rules, stressing that election was not a do-or-die affair.

  • Massive voting key to checkmate rigging – Cleric

    The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged Nigerians to turn out en masse on Saturday to cast their votes and ensure their votes counted.

    He identified massive voting as one sure way to checkmating election rigging and manipulation of results in the country.

    The Prelate who spoke Friday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, advised Nigerians to vote according to their consciences to ensure the emergence of credible leaders.

    He cautioned against vote-trading, insisting that such vices were inimical to the electoral process.

    “Vote buying and selling can only produce leaders who are not the collective wish of the people,” he said.

    Read Also: Vote buying will entrench poverty, says Cleric

    Ezeokafor further asked politicians and their supporters to respect the constitution and play by the rules, stressing that election was not a do-or-die affair.

    He said, “Desperation and quest for political power should not be the primary reason for participating in an election but a desire to improve on the status quo if elected to serve the people.

    “Politicians should refrain from foul-languages, hate-speeches and campaigns of calumny but emphasize more on practical issues of development especially as it concerns poverty alleviation and job creation.”

  • 2019: Evil politicians’ll engage in vote buying – Catholic Bishop

    The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anambra State, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has frowned against incidences of vote buying in the electoral process ahead of next year’s general elections. He described the act as a “sin in the eleventh commandment” saying those who engage in it lacked conscience and must go for confession.

    Addressing reporters  as part of his Christmas message  at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka , Ezeokafor urged the citizens to be in the vanguard of curbing the trend.

    He said it was the duty of the church to preach against the vices, calling on the electorate not to allow themselves to be influenced, but insisted on voting according to their consciences.

    While sueing for peace in his message, he said unity should be paramount to the people instead of unnecessary attacks from different quarters as 2019 was around the corner. “Vote buying is a sin and form of bribery. Both those that sell their votes and those that buy are guilty of the same crime. The electorate must use the 2019 General Elections to re-write the electoral history of Nigeria and that can be achieved if they decide to do the right thing by electing credible leaders.

    The bishop noted that leadership had been a big challenge to the country, stressing it could be overcame if the right leaders emerge to steer the ship of the nation. He also advised government to do all it could to improve the welfare of workers by approving the new minimum wage. He regretted the cost implications of running government, just as he canvassed for reduction in the jumbo packages earned by legislators as a way of addressing the poor remuneration of workers.

  • Catholic Bishop demands apology from FG, Amaechi over killings

    Makurdi Diocese Catholic Bishop Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe, has demanded an apology from the federal government, especially Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi for allegeldy attempting to change the narratives of the killing of two priests and 17 worshippers in Mbalom last April.

    Speaking yesterday at St. Ignatius Quasi Parish Ukpo, Mbalom during a homily to mark the rite of atonement and purification of the community from the spilled blood, Anagbe insisted the killing was carried out by herdsmen.

    Two catholic priests and 11 worshippers were killing by suspected Fulani herdsmen during mass in the parish.

    The killings attracted national and international condemnation.

    Anagbe maintained that survivors and witnesses were not in doubt the killers were herdsmen.

    The Bishop alleged the government was using Christians including the minister, APC national chairman as well as presidential spokesman to change the true narrative on the killings. He noted that it was childish and hypocritical for people to insinuate Benue people or Christians were killing themselves.

    He wondered if they were responsible for the killings in other states including Zamfara and Katsina.

    He said herdsmen sent Rev. Fr. Felix Tyolaha packing from Yogbo in Guma Local Government Area before and he had to plead with him to come to Mbalom and serve only to be killed.

    The Bishop stressed the changing narrative was an insult on the sensibilities of the Benue people and Tiv nation.

    He urged politicians not sell the Tiv people for what he described as leftovers.

    The Bishop offered special prayers at the spot where Father Tyolaha was killed before the celebration of mass.

  • Catholic bishop, groups back Obi as Atiku’s running mate

    The Catholic Bishop of Awka, the Anambra State capital, Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, and prominent groups in the state have expressed support for former Governor Peter Obi as the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Groups that endorsed Obi’s vice presidential candidacy include the youth wing of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) and Anambra New Generation Vanguard (ANGV).

    Ezeokafor and leaders of the groups – Osita Ozalagba of ASATU, Chinemerem Oguegbe and Dr Nonso Okoye, of ANGV – urged politicians in the Southeast to support the Abubakar Atiku-Obi presidential project.

    The priest spoke yesterday at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Ifitedunu, while addressing the congregation.

    The cleric thanked Atiku for choosing Obi as his running mate.

    He said: “I believe that with Atiku as an astute politician and Obi as a good manager of resources at the helm of affairs, Nigeria’s economic and administrative challenges would be adequately tackled.

    “I am convinced that the Atiku/Obi combination would put smiles on the faces of the masses as the duo, hitherto job creators and renowned human capital developers, would place Nigerians on the path of progress.

    “Nigeria’s current problem is lack of economic management and maladministration. I think, with Atiku and Obi at the helm of affairs, Nigeria would be changed for good. We are tired of leadership ineptitude.

    “I think, without having all the facts, Obi’s candidature is the greatest thing to have happened to Nigerians in recent times.

    “It is a blessing for the Igbo race. We have long been forgotten. Those who know Obi’s antecedent know him as a great manager of resources.”

    ANGV urged Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi and others who opposed the nomination of Obi as Atiku’s running mate not to truncate Igbo chances of being key players in the county’s polity.

    In a statement in Awka, ANGV’s leaders Chinemerem Oguegbe and Dr Nonso Okoye said Igbo youths would not take it lightly with anybody, no matter how highly place, to plunge the ethnic nationality into another era of deprivation and marginalisation.

    It warned PDP leaders in the Southeast to stop arrogating the leadership of the Igbo to themselves.

    ANGV said: “We wish to state that the issue in question affects the dreams of the entire Igbo nation to once again be key players in the politics of Nigeria and most importantly the hope of the younger generation of the Igbo nation to become political stakeholders in a united Nigeria.”

  • Serve God, Catholic bishop tells new priests

    Bishop Godfrey Onah of Nsukka Catholic Diocese has charged newly ordained priests to serve God willingly without looking for monetary or material benefits.

    Onah gave the charge yesterday at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral, Nsukka, during the ordination of 15 new priests.

    He said the only way they would gain God’s favour, blessings and salvation was to submit themselves completely to God.

    “It’s unfortunate that these days many priests and pastors think more of financial and material benefits instead of a dedicated service in God’s vineyard.

    “I charge you to completely submit yourselves to the service of God if you want him to grant all your hearts’ desires.

    “ Serve God willingly because you know God knows the heart of everybody and no one can deceive Him.”

    He advised them to pray always so as to defeat Satan and his agents.

    “The fact that you have been ordained priests does not mean temptation will not come your way; but with constant prayer, you will defeat every temptation.”

    The bishop commended their parents for donating their children to work in God’s vineyard and urged them to continue to support and pray for them since without God they can do nothing.

    “I commend parents, siblings and friends of these priests for their prayers and sacrifices to ensure that today becomes a reality.

     

  • Catholic bishop hails Ugwuanyi, prays for gov

    THE Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) Calistus Onaga, has commended the developmental projects launched across Enugu State by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi since his inauguration, describing him as “a good man and a man to be reckoned with”. Bishop Onaga, who made the remark during the inauguration of the main entrance dual carriageway to St. Patrick’s College, Emene, Enugu, rehabilitated by the school authorities, said that the college has benefited immensely from the governor’s “kind gesture”.

    The cleric noted that prior to the intervention, the college’s roads were riddled with potholes and other infrastructural deficits, appreciating Ugwuanyi for his giant development strides across the state, including the Airport-Orie Emene- Obinagu road that leads to the school. “Governor Ugwuanyi is a good man and a man to be reckoned with. We are proud of him because he is not a sectional leader. We are praying that God will continue to protect him to enable him to complete the myriads of projects he is embarking upon in Enugu State.

    “The governor has asphalted many roads including the one leading to the school from the airport. He also handed over schools to missionaries thereby providing us the opportunity to support the government in giving succour to our schools. He has also been assisting us financially and morally and this school is not the only beneficiary of such gesture. C.I.C., Enugu, St. Theresa’s, Abor, among others are now wearing a new look,” Bishop Onaga said.

  • Embattled Imo Catholic Bishop Okpalaeke resigns

    Embattled Imo Catholic Bishop Okpalaeke resigns

    The embattled Bishop of the Ahiara Catholic Diocese of Mbaise, Imo State, Bishop Peter Okpalaeke, has resigned.

    Bishop Okpalaeke is resigning after about eight years of confrontations with priests and faithful of Mbaise extraction.

    The Vatican has appointed the Bishop of Umuahia, Abia State, Bishop Lucius Ugorji, as the Apostolic Administrator until the appointment of a substantive Bishop.

    Bishop Okpalaeke was at Awka Diocese before he was appointed Bishop of Ahiara Diocese in 2012, after the death of Bishop Victor Chikwe. His appointment was resisted by Catholic Priests from Mbaise, who insisted that a Bishop must be appointed from among them.

    Pope Francis, who was piqued by the priests’ action, threatened to take disciplinary action against them, after which he gave them an ultimatum to write a letter of apology to the Vatican.

    A statement yesterday by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, published in the National Catholic Register, said though the priests wrote 200 letters to the Pope showing him “obedience and fidelity, some noted the psychological difficulty in working with the bishop after years of conflict”.

    It added that “taking into account their repentance, the Holy Father decided not to proceed with the canonical sanctions and instructed the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples to respond to the letters”.

    The statement also said the Pope urged the priests “to reflect on the grave damage inflicted on the Church of Christ, hoping that they will never repeat such unreasonable actions of opposing a Bishop legitimately appointed by the Supreme Pontiff”.

    Meanwhile, the news of the resignation of the Bishop was greeted with jubilation in the diocese.

    President of the Ahiara Diocesan Catholic Men Organisation, Chief Gerald Anyanwu, described it as “victory for the Catholic Faithful in Ahiara Diocese”.

    He thanked the Pope for yielding to the genuine demands of the people, saying peace has finally returned to the diocese.

    Chairman of the Ahiara Diocese Catholic Priest Association Revd. Fr. Austin Ekechukwu said the people are excited about the news.

    But other faithful criticised the diocese for setting a wrong precedence which will encourage others to question the Vatican’s authority.

    Sir Andrew Ukachukwu, a Knight of St. John International, said: “Bishop Okpalaeke may be out today, but we don’t know whose turn it will be tomorrow. Ahiara diocese may have succeeded in intimidating the Vatican but they have set a precedence that is totally alien to the Catholic faith.

    “No diocese has ever questioned or resisted the directives of the Pope. The development is really worrisome. They have brought tribalism into the running of the Catholic Church and it should be condemned by all genuine Catholic”.

  • Catholic bishop donates foodstuff to 20 prisoners

    The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, the Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, has confirmed 20 inmates of the Jos Prison.

    The  Prison’s chaplain, Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe, said yesterday in Jos that Kaigama  visited the prison as part of his pastoral schedule to celebrate Christmas with the inmates and donated foodstuff and other items to them.

    It said that the bishop donated the items through an NGO of the archdiocese, Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), with support from other parishes.

    “If my memory permits me, there are only two places I know the pastoral calendar of the Archbishop does not change, and visiting the prison every December 25 to celebrate with the inmates is first.

    “He has made his visit to the prison like an immovable feast in the Catholic Church.

    “During this year’s visit, he confirmed on 20 inmates the sacrament of confirmation, making them active soldiers of the Catholic Church and indeed of Christ.

    “This is a clear sign of evangelisation going on even in the confines of state regulations,” Akpe said in the statement.